Mid-Week Matters | Vol 3

It’s never exactly quiet here, but it’s been a seriously busy start to the month – both for us and for our clients. Which, I think, can only mean one thing: the UK contracting market might finally be stirring back to life.

I hope you’re seeing and thinking the same.

With that, the bi-weekly Mid-week Matters round-up is here. Once again, we’re packing industry headlines, key dates for your diary, standout candidates we’re supporting, and the roles we’re actively working on.

Got news – good, bad, or just plain interesting? Send it my way.

Let’s dive in.

🌟 Spotlight: A Turning Point for UK Contracting and Tech Talent?

We’re closing in on Q3 2025, and it’s shaping up to be a defining year for UK contractors. Signs the tide is turning? They’re hard to ignore.

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, demand for contractors across IT, cybersecurity (10–12% annual growth and 17,000+ UK vacancies), engineering (one of the few sectors bucking the hiring slowdown), finance (32% rise in fintech hiring), and consultancy (5% sector growth to £15.7bn) remains strong.

The absence of any new IR35 reform has provided some much-needed stability, with limited company contractors continuing under familiar tax regimes. It’s a relief for many navigating an already complex market.

Meanwhile, Government investment is playing a key role in fuelling demand:

• Making Tax Digital continues to roll out, creating opportunities in finance and compliance.
• The long-awaited 10-year industrial strategy is due this month, focusing on eight growth sectors: digital tech, financial services, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
• A pledged £5 billion for AI and defence tech (including drones and domestic manufacturing) underlines the UK’s ambition to become a “global AI superpower”.

So why does it matter?

For contractors – it’s time to upskill in high-growth areas like AI, green energy, and digital infrastructure.

For agencies and umbrellas – now’s the moment to realign your client offerings and candidate pipeline with the UK’s national priorities and sector growth trends.

💬 From CMR, With LinkedIn Love

• Josh achieved his lifelong ambition of “going viral” – HUGE Impressions achieved here.
• Luke shows some love to Diddley Squat, and links it, somehow, to recruitment here.
• Jake celebrates with some of the MOST vivid photos on LI, here.

🏃 Movers & Shakers

• Honest Accounting hires Ops Directorfrom a big player to support their growth – a sign of renewed confidence in the contractor accounting space.
• Indigo has announced a new CEOfor their umbrella company, Pulse. Another BIG move, and nearly as many likes as Josh’s post above (plus it shows further confidence in the contractor market, IMO).

💼 Role Up, Role Up – CMR Roles Of Every Other Week

We’re currently working on a record-breaking number of live rolesacross the UK – a clear sign that demand is picking up.

The bulk of our activity right now is in accountancy and payroll, with a small number being suppliers to the umbrella and accounting markets (think software providers and you won’t be far wrong).

Accountancy roles make up a significant share, including everything from Senior Client Accountants and SME Senior Accountants to Practice Director. We’re also seeing a healthy demand for customer service staff within umbrella/payroll providers and technical roles such as risk and due diligence.

On the commercial side Business Development Managerscontinue to be a hot commodity, with opportunities ranging from £25K to £80K senior packages, both remote and office-based.

If you are thinking about a move, know someone who is or you have a contact that would thrive in the industry, we’d love to help.

💥 And Finally… We’re hiring at CMR!

If you’re a recruiter with a year or two under your belt and want to be part of a proper team, not a CV-chucking contest, read on!

We’re a tight-knit crew in Altrincham, well-regarded in accountancy, payroll, and financial services recruitment (check our Trustpilot if you don’t believe us).

You’ll be sourcing and speaking to great candidates, coordinating interviews, and working directly with Josh, Jake, and Luke on live roles. No 100-dial days, just meaningful work in a team that backs each other.

Know someone who’d be perfect? Ask them to contact me directly please.

See you in two weeks.