As we head towards 2026, technology continues to shape how businesses operate, compete, and grow. Whether you're a scaling startup or an established organisation, having the right IT foundations in place is no longer optional – it's essential.
At Mantle Development, a software development agency based near Leeds in Yorkshire, we work with businesses every day to help them make smart, sustainable technology decisions. Here are our top IT tips to get your business on track for 2026 – without the hype or unnecessary complexity.
1. Align IT With Your Business Goals
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is treating IT as a separate function. Technology should support your wider strategy, not dictate it.
Take a step back and ask:
- What are our business goals for the next 12–24 months?
- Where are we losing time, money, or customers?
- Which systems are holding us back?
A holistic view of your technology ensures every investment has a clear purpose.
2. Prioritise Security and Resilience
Cyber threats aren't slowing down, and neither should your approach to security. As we move into 2026, businesses need to be proactive, not reactive.
Key focus areas include:
- Regular security updates and patching
- Strong access controls and authentication
- Secure backups and disaster recovery plans
- Staff training to reduce human error
Good security is about sensible habits, not fear-mongering.
3. Invest in Scalable, Maintainable Software
If your systems can't grow with your business, they'll eventually hold you back. Whether you're using off-the-shelf tools or bespoke software, scalability and maintainability should be top priorities.
A pragmatic approach means:
- Avoiding over-engineering
- Choosing proven technologies
- Writing clean, well-documented code
- Planning for change from the start
Future-you will thank you for it.
4. Make Better Use of Your Data
Most businesses are sitting on valuable data but aren't using it effectively. As 2026 approaches, data-driven decision-making will be a key differentiator.
Start simple:
- Ensure your data is accurate and accessible
- Use dashboards to surface meaningful insights
- Automate reporting where possible
You don't need complex AI models to benefit from data – just clarity and consistency.
5. Automate Where It Makes Sense
Automation can save time, reduce errors, and free up teams to focus on higher-value work. The trick is knowing what to automate.
Look for:
- Repetitive manual processes
- Bottlenecks in workflows
- Tasks prone to human error
The goal isn't to automate everything – it's to make work smoother and more enjoyable.
6. Review and Simplify Your Tech Stack
Over time, businesses tend to accumulate tools, platforms, and integrations that no longer add value. A regular tech review helps keep things lean and effective.
Ask yourself:
- Are we paying for tools we don't use?
- Do multiple systems do the same job?
- Are integrations reliable and well-supported?
Simpler systems are easier to secure, maintain, and scale.
7. Choose Technology Partners, Not Just Suppliers
The right IT partner should feel like an extension of your team. At Mantle Development, cooperation is central to how we work.
Look for partners who:
- Understand your business, not just the tech
- Challenge ideas constructively
- Communicate clearly and honestly
- Focus on long-term outcomes
Strong partnerships lead to better software and better results.
8. Keep Things Human (and Have Fun With It)
Technology should support people, not frustrate them. If systems are painful to use, adoption will suffer – no matter how powerful they are.
Involving users early, listening to feedback, and allowing room for experimentation makes IT projects more successful – and more enjoyable.
Because yes, even serious business software can be fun to work with.
Getting Ready for 2026 Starts Now
The businesses that thrive in 2026 will be the ones making thoughtful, proactive IT decisions today. By focusing on clarity, collaboration, and practicality, you can build a technology foundation that supports growth rather than slows it down.
As a Yorkshire-based software development agency near Leeds, Mantle Development helps businesses cut through complexity and build software that works – now and in the future.
If you'd like to talk about getting your IT strategy ready for 2026, we'd love to have a chat.
Let's build something sensible, scalable, and enjoyable 🚀