Greg Du-feu’s Top Tips for joinery businesses in 2026

Greg Du-feu, Managing Director of Dufeu IT, provides his top tips for joinery businesses in 2026 to keep them secure, whilst also growing profits.

Modern joinery businesses rely heavily on technology – from design and quoting through to production, finance, and customer communication.

As we head into 2026, those systems are becoming more capable, more connected, and more exposed.

The joinery firms that will grow confidently over the next few years will be the ones that use technology strategically, protect it properly, and apply tools like AI to real operational problems – not just experimentation.

Here are the key areas to focus on to stay secure and profitable in 2026.

1. Start With a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Before investing in new systems or AI tools, you need clarity.

A cybersecurity risk assessment shows you:

• Where your biggest operational risks sit
• Which systems would cause the most downtime if compromised
• How secure your Microsoft 365, email, and accounts data really are
• Whether backups, access controls, and policies are doing their job

For joinery businesses, assessments often highlight:

• Design and workshop PCs running outdated software
• Shared logins and weak access control
• Poor visibility over who can access what
• Gaps between IT systems and business continuity planning

Most importantly, the findings should feed directly into a technology and cybersecurity roadmap – helping you prioritise investment sensibly rather than reactively.

2. Use AI to Save Time Where It Actually Hurts

AI should reduce pressure, not add complexity.

For many joinery firms, Microsoft 365 Copilot delivers quick wins when applied properly:

• Summarising Teams meetings so fewer people need to attend
• Drafting emails, project updates, and internal documentation
• Helping managers find information across SharePoint and OneDrive
• Speeding up policy writing and process documentation

The goal isn’t “using AI” – it’s freeing up time in areas that slow projects down.

3. AI Policies Are Now a Business Essential

As soon as staff start using AI tools, questions arise:

• What data is safe to use?
• Can client or project information be uploaded?
• Who checks AI-generated content before it’s sent externally?

An AI policy answers these questions clearly.

It defines:

• Approved tools
• Acceptable use
• Data handling rules
• Accountability

Without one, businesses risk data leakage, inconsistent communications, and compliance issues – especially as AI becomes more embedded.

4. Training Turns Copilot Into a Competitive Advantage

AI tools only deliver value when people know how to use them properly.

Joinery businesses seeing success are investing in:

• Copilot training tailored to real roles (office, management, commercial)
• Microsoft 365 adoption support to structure Teams and SharePoint correctly
• Clear guidance on “how we work here” using digital tools

This is where productivity gains actually come from.

5. Lock Down Microsoft 365 and Keep It That Way

Microsoft 365 is often the single biggest attack surface in a joinery business.

Key areas that need ongoing management include:

• Enforcing MFA for all users
• Monitoring risky sign-ins
• Restricting access to sensitive data
• Managing user lifecycle (joiners, movers, leavers)

Email compromise and phishing remain major causes of disruption and financial loss. Security configuration is not a one-off project – it’s an ongoing process.

6. Don’t Ignore the Fundamentals

AI doesn’t replace good cybersecurity hygiene.

The basics still matter:

• Device patching and endpoint protection
• Backup testing and recovery planning
• User awareness training
• Incident response and business continuity planning

These controls protect your productivity, reputation, and customer relationships.

Final Thought

In 2026, security, efficiency, and growth are inseparable.

The joinery businesses that succeed will be the ones that:

• Understand their risks
• Plan technology investment properly
• Use AI with purpose and governance
• Train their teams, not just buy licences

Technology should make your business stronger – not more fragile.

For more insights, follow Dufeu IT on LinkedIn, connect with me directly, or visit https://www.dufeu-it.co.uk/contact/ to continue the conversation.