As we draw closer to Christmas, it’s a natural time to pause and reflect on the year just gone. For us, 2025 has been a year of thoughtful conversations, careful decision-making and continued trust from the businesses and finance professionals we work with across the North West.
A Year of Considered Hiring
If one word could sum up 2025, it would be considered. Against an uncertain economic backdrop and evolving labour policies, many businesses chose to take a more cautious approach to permanent recruitment, not because growth ambitions disappeared, but because timing and flexibility mattered more than ever.
As a result, we saw a notable increase in organisations strengthening their teams through interim and contract solutions. Interims played a vital role in maintaining momentum: supporting transformation projects, covering critical gaps, managing change, and bringing immediate expertise without long-term commitment.
Rather than a short-term fix, interim hiring became a strategic tool, allowing businesses to remain agile while continuing to move forward.
The Evolving Role of Finance
Demand for strong finance and business professionals has remained consistent throughout the year, particularly for individuals who can operate as true partners to the wider business.
Technical capability is still essential, but what has really stood out in 2025 is the importance of commercial insight, communication, and adaptability. Whether permanent or interim, the most successful appointments were those where finance professionals could successfully combine these skills Increasingly, businesses looked for individuals who could step in, make an impact, and support informed decision-making from day one.
A More Selective Candidate Market
Candidates have also approached 2025 with greater clarity about what they want from their next role. Alongside salary, conversations have increasingly centred around culture, leadership style, flexibility, and progression.
Hybrid working is now firmly established as the norm, and businesses that clearly articulated their values and long-term plans were far better placed to attract and retain the right people. As ever, honest conversations at the outset made all the difference.
Working Alongside the North West Business Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of the year has been continuing to work closely with businesses across the North West — from growing SMEs to established organisations navigating change.
As a specialist recruiter, our role is not just to fill vacancies but to act as a sounding board, offering market insight, honest advice, and a long-term view. In 2025, those partnerships have mattered more than ever, helping organisations to think strategically about how they structure their teams, whether that’s through permanent hires, interim support, or a blend of both.
Looking Ahead
As we look towards 2026, flexibility remains firmly on the agenda. Businesses that plan ahead and consider a blended workforce, combining permanent talent with interim expertise, will be well placed to respond quickly to whatever the year brings.
Now is an ideal time to reflect on what worked in 2025 and to think proactively about workforce planning for the year ahead. However, its equally important to slow the pace for a few days and enjoy a well-earned break.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their hiring plans or career decisions this year. We don’t take that trust lightly.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and successful New Year. We look forward to continuing the conversation in 2026.