Originally Posted in The Irish News Tuesday 31st March

Small businesses are again leading in uncertain times

For small companies, uncertainty is often personal as well as commercial, with owners not just managing figures on a spreadsheet but carrying the responsibility for jobs, families and communities

By Michelle Lestas

March 31, 2026 at 12:02am BST

Our small businesses have proven their resilience and tenacity in the bucket load over the past half century, and if there is one thing we are not frightened of, its dealing with uncertainty.

We have learned that resilience in times of challenge is not about acting fearless but rather it is about adapting quickly and without losing direction. Today, once again, we are being asked to step up to the plate and show steady leadership when the ground is shifting beneath us.

So, what does that look like? For our small companies, uncertainty is often personal as well as commercial with owners not just managing figures on a spreadsheet but carrying the responsibility for jobs, families and communities.

When costs rise or sales dip, the pressure lands close to home and that is why clear thinking and calm leadership can make such a difference. Teams and suppliers take their cue from the person at the front and when leaders stay honest, visible and decisive, people feel steadier.

In these times of rising costs and supply chain delays to pressure on consumer confidence, the response needs to be practical, timely, and builds closer relationships with a sharper focus on what really matters.

If the Covid pandemic taught us anything, it was to pivot quicker than we did and protect trading longevity. Delaying an inevitable decision can be costly in time of uncertainty.

Leading through uncertainty is not only about survival, it is about culture and staff want clarity and customers want trust.

Both respond well when businesses are straightforward about challenges while staying committed to quality and service.

It is also important to make difficult decisions with care and when reviewing spending, protecting cash flow and thinking harder about where time and money should go, it is important to resist the urge to do everything at once.

Instead, narrow the focus and strengthen the core offering of your business, keeping communication open with staff and customers.

Already we are on it. There are some good local examples of owners finding new ways to serve customers by refining services, changing opening hours and improving online presence.

Others are leaning into collaboration, building local partnerships and sharing opportunities rather than trying to solve every challenge alone. That community spirit has long been a strength of our small business sector, and it remains one of our biggest advantages.

None of this will remove the strain that we know many are under, operating with tight margins and limited room for error. Now more than ever it is time for you to reach out and ask for help from those you respect to provide sound advice, practical solutions and financial input.

Be sure to take the time to step back and assess the bigger picture so you can lead with intention rather than exhaustion so that those around you are clear about the direction of travel and can help you achieve your targets.

This can be formal through support programmes offered by local and central government, InvestNI or others – or it can be informal through your networks.

Importantly it needs to be input that you respect, practical in approach and focussed on quality. This is crucial.

What stands out in the small business community in this part of the world, is our quiet determination to keep showing up, adjusting and moving forward.

In an uncertain economy, our kind of grounded leadership deserves attention from those that are making the big economic decisions.

Our small businesses are not just enduring instability, but once again we are setting an example in how to lead with a strong sense of commitment to our community.

Michelle Lestas, executive chair of MENTupLEADup, author of ‘In Business With Yourself’ (Orpen Press), NED, and business turnaround specialist, is internationally recognised for her small business thought leadership