It’s CMRrrrrrrrrriiiiiiissttttmas! (Nearly)
The tree’s up at CMR HQ, there’s been a few mince pies and chocolates shared, BUT the pace hasn’t stopped. It’s Festive Fever! And it’s the sort of energy we want to carry into 2026!
Our clients are still pushing to hit targets, candidates are still switching jobs, and everyone is starting to think about what next year looks like. And let’s not forget all you payroll pros working right up to the wire (the unsung heroes)
Now, onto the newsletter. We’ve got lots of roles to fill between now and New Year. And our event calendar is being finalised for Q1.. three events, three top locations and some amazing speakers.
If this is us winding down, I’d hate to see what busy looks like.
🎁 The PSL List is Being Checked (Twice)
As I posted last week (have a look here), JSL is already having a positive impact on the market – fair play to HMRC.
Agencies, MSPs and big end clients are making PSL decisions now, not waiting until April. Non-compliant models are being phased out, and umbrellas without the right processes or accreditations are losing traction.
If you’re accredited and proactive, this is your moment.
If you’re not, that window is closing fast.
One umbrella MD told us this week:
“We’ve had more PSL conversations in the last month than we did in the whole of 2025”
That says it all. HMRC isn’t backing down and April will soon be here.
🎅 Clients Are Sleighing Their Talent Strategies
Some say it’s silly season, but I don’t buy it.
Clients are still locking in Q1 starters, and in some cases, we’re already lining up starters for Feb and March. Interviews are being booked for the quiet days between Christmas and New Year, when diaries are lighter and decision-making is faster.
New briefs are coming in every week across payroll, accountancy, compliance, and sales. Some are urgent backfills, others are linked to ambitious 2026 growth plans that kick off in January.
The message we’re getting loud and clear?
No one wants to spend January scrambling through shortlists or rushing out job specs. The best operators are getting ahead of it now, while others are prepping festive mode.
🎉 All I Want for Christmas is Two Retainers
Behind the scenes, we’ve been working on two retained partnerships that will carry us well into 2026.
One is with an accountancy group scaling across all levels in the North West.
The other is a compliance, tech-enabled payroll business expanding its service lines and growing its teams from its brilliant office in Hertfordshire.
Both have had a brilliant 2025 and are forecasting an even better 2026. And both have given CMR the brief to build the team.
You’ll hear more about these in January.
If you want to get involved before we go public, now’s the time.
🕯️ One Spot Left at the MTD Inn
Monday 22 January. Manchester. The Ivy.
MTD for SA: Risks, Revenue and Readiness
CMR has teamed up with FreeAgent and HMRC to break down how MTD for Self Assessment impacts the umbrella and accountancy sectors, and how to turn it into a commercial advantage.
The venue is nearly full. We’ve got one space left for a sponsor, contributor, or standout attendee.
Be a wise man (or woman) and message me if you want to get involved.
🧦 One More Chair At The CMR Table
We’re adding to the team.. again.
2025’s been a year of proper momentum, from retained partnerships and client growth, to a packed events calendar and growing our own team. Now, with new projects already locked in for Q1, we’re making space for the next wave of CMR talent.
I’m looking for people who understand the market, thrive in a fast-moving environment, and want to be part of something that’s scaling with purpose.
You don’t need a black book or a ready-made desk, but you do need sharp instincts, strong energy, and a bias for action.
2026 is already filling up with big opportunities. We want the right people on the journey with us.
If that sounds like someone you know, send them my way. Or better yet, tell them to get in touch directly.
✨ My Penultimate Final Word
It’s very nearly Christmas, and while the decorations are popping up, the pace isn’t dropping.
People are still briefing roles. Inboxes are still full of the usual pre-Christmas urgency, the kind that says “can we sort this before the break?” even when the break is two weeks and one day away.
Most of you stay open over the festive period, so you know if you need anything, you can always reach out to me.
We’ve got one more edition of Mid-week Matters coming before the break, with a bit of a twist.
Until then, if you’re hiring, planning, or just want a second opinion before 2026 kicks off, you know where I am.
