Mid-Week Matters | Vol 2
And what a couple of weeks it’s been! I’ll go into a bit more detail on the event we held on the 19th, which was SUPERB. But before I do, your bi-weekly dose of Mid-week Matters will be covering headlines in the industry, dates for the diary, candidates we’re helping, and roles we’re filling.
And don’t be shy! I’m always on the lookout for good (possibly bad) news to share.
Here we go!
🌟 Spotlight: UN Initiative – London Event Recap
What do 40 umbrella company owners and directors, Recruitment & Employment Confederation , SafeRec and CMRhave in common? They all attended our latest event at Markel’s HQ in London.
And it felt like a proper industry moment (and a pinch me one for CMR). The feedback so far has been incredible. We covered:
- How recruitment agencies are embracing current challenges in the market (a big one)
- What the new legislation means, how it could work and what the HMRC is likely to do
- The FIRST SafeRec contractor survey results (and what this means for the industry)
Massive thanks to Neil Carberry, Sebastian Sauca, and David Harmer for their insight and honesty, and to Stuart Latchford and the team at Thrivr for hosting the post-event drinks at The Alchemist.
It was a Monday with candid conversations, an open Q&A, smart speakers, and, above all, a room full of people who genuinely care about where this industry goes next.
There was healthy debate on the potential practicalities of implementing “Option 3” – will it be a variation on Section 44, or will it be joint and several liability? Whatever happens, compliant umbrella companies are keen for legislation, and see it as an opportunity to work closer with their clients.
The next event? It’s happening in Manchester, early September. Venue and speakers are already locked.
Want to be part of it (why wouldn’t you?!)? Drop me a message and I’ll send over the registration link.
📈 Industry Headlines
- David vs. Goliath: Big recruitment firms are losing ground as clients favour boutique agencies offering deeper expertise and personal service. Recruiters are also leaving to start their own businesses. The shift is happening now—and fast. Have you seen this shift? Ed Glover’s article is here.
- Bark & Bite: HMRC continues to push enforcement and visibility across umbrella and IR35 cases, with another tribunal win making headlines in early May. See CUK’s article here.
- Confidence in the market is returning – we’ve seen exec-level hires and open positions at their highest number since May 2024 (exactly a year ago). Keep your eyes peeled for some BIG announcements on new hires over the coming weeks.
💬 From CMR, With LinkedIn Love
Josh’s Highlight Post: It’s good to talk! And many thanks to Andrew Fahey and the team at Briars for inviting me onto their global podcast, Beyond Borders. Coming to a playlist near you soon!
Listen here (from the 2nd of June)
Luke’s Highlight Post:NOR-WAY are crisps that expensive!
Opening the bag on REALLY dear snacks here.
Jake’s Highlight Post: CMR hit the road, with May’s Picturesque LinkedIn Photo of the Month, completed here.
💼 Role Up, Role Up – CMR Role of the Every Other Week Senior Client Accountant (with a twist!) – North West. £55,000 basic.
We’re working with a longstanding client to help them with a key hire, a senior client accountant. But this isn’t a role for your average client accountant, it’s a role for someone who wants to be Practice Director in 2-3 years. And it’s not a false promise, it’s one with defined targets to achieve promotion. If you’ve got SME experience, and want to make something from your career then give me a shout.
🔍 Represented by CMR – Candidates of the Bi-Week
Payroll Manager – North West We’re representing an experienced payroll manager based in the North West, with end-to-end processing experience across high-volume operations. They’ve worked across multiple payroll platforms and led complex client migrations. Open to commuting across the region. £50,000 salary.
Sales – CIS / Construction Sector Looking for a commercially sharp salesperson based in the South, with a warm network of construction contractors and SME owners? Course you are! While they’re new to payroll, they’ve consistently built trust in new sectors and retained clients long-term. £60,000 basic.
BDM – Accountancy / Financial Services Finally, we’re helping a superb business development manager who’s spent the last three years selling accountancy and tax services within a practice environment. A consistent overperformer, now looking to step into a broader financial services sales role. £65,000 base.
📅 And Finally: On Your Radar – FCSA Forum Sponsorship
There’s a fair few events at the moment. And we’re really proud to be a sponsor of next month’s Freelancer & Contractor Services Association (FCSA) forum.
🗓️ Tuesday 24th June 📍 The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
This is a big one for the sector. You know the drill by now. Leaders brought together from compliance, recruitment, umbrella companies and policymakers to discuss where the industry goes from here – and how we build a better, more transparent market for everyone.
We’ll be there to listen, learn, and add our voice. See you there if you’re going, and that’s issue #2, done!
