Monthly Matters, From CMR – Issue 1
It’s back!
If you’ve been here before, you’ll know “Mid-Week Matters”. It built a following of nearly 3,000 people and became a regular read across the contracting and finance markets.
But it wasn’t built to stay the same. The pace worked against depth, and depth is where the value sits. So this is the reset.
It’s reborn as Monthly Matters, and as the name suggests, will now be a monthly newsletter.
Same intent, sharper insights. Broader coverage across umbrella, payroll, finance and compliance, with a clearer view of what’s actually happening in the market.
This isn’t filler content. It’s what we’re seeing day to day across the desks.
Who’s hiring. How decisions are being made. Where businesses are getting ahead, and where they’re falling behind.
If you’re running, building or supporting a business in this space, this is for you.
Let’s go!
JSL: After the noise
Well, Joint and Several Liability has landed.
After the flurry from January through March, things have gone quiet.
The tone across the market has shifted. I’d say less reactive, more considered. Businesses are now working out what the new landscape actually means for how they operate, not just who sits on their PSL.
From a hiring perspective, demand hasn’t moved.
We’re still seeing consistent activity across payroll, operations, customer service and compliance. Sales and account management will always be a focus.
What has changed is how decisions are being made, and this is worth sharing with you all.
Clear process and defined needs mean quick, stronger hires. Unclear process and hesitation means missed talent.
The brands winning right now are the ones that knew what they wanted before they went to market. And they’re making decisions on people in two stages.
It might sound obvious – but in a competitive market, you can’t hesitate on hiring decisions.
Dates for your diary (nearly)
In June, we’re partnering with the teams at My Digital and SafeRec to host two sessions focused on what’s actually happened since JSL went live. One in Manchester, one in London.
No theory. No surface-level takes. Just data and what is actually happening commercially. You’ll leave armed with data and insights to help focus your business.
Dates and locations to follow. If you want early access, message me and we’ll add you to the list.
Will’s Finance Desk update
Hello. I’m Will Henderson. I lead the finance desk at CMR, working across accountants, finance professionals and the teams around them.
Day to day, I’m speaking to professionals across the country. Here’s what I’m seeing:
- Demand for mid-level, part-qualified accountants remains strong. That hasn’t shifted, highlighting the need for solid talent.
- The pressure has moved. MTD is driving demand higher up the structure, particularly for senior team leads, alongside admin and bookkeeping support.
- Firms aren’t just looking for capacity now. They’re looking for structure and planning for the future.
- Across the market, the same pattern is emerging. Growing client bases, increased compliance pressure, and teams needing to adapt quickly.
- Some firms are stepping back and planning their hiring over the next 6–12 months. Others are still reacting role by role as demand lands. That gap is starting to show, and it will widen.
This doesn’t feel like a short-term spike. As more firms feel the knock-on effect of MTD, demand is likely to build rather than drop off.
If you’re a qualified or part-qualified accounting professional, and want to accelerate your career – we’ve got opportunities for you.
If you’re a business planning to hire or trying to get ahead of this, I’m here if you want a second view.
Hopefully see you at one of our many events over the next 6 months, Will.
The horizon
HMRC’s own data showed around 275,000 workers were engaged by non-compliant umbrella companies in 2022–23.
That isn’t marginal, it’s a material part of the market. Post-JSL, those models shouldn’t be viable. If the PSL tightening MSPs have pushed through over the last six months, that volume has to move.
The logical destination is the compliant umbrella market. Over the coming months, that should start to show up in contractor movement.
The wider picture is unchanged. Businesses are hiring. What’s changed is the gap between those with a defined process and those without (as I mentioned before).
Move quickly, know your process, or lose out. If the process needs work, I can help with that.
What we’re working on
We’re being retained on some brilliant roles currently, and Jade Dunne, Luke Shelbourne, Joe McDonnell & Will Henderson have plenty on their desks – reach out to learn more.
Business Development Manager × 4. Umbrella £45,000–£55,000 basic
Four retained mandates with two fully accredited umbrella companies. Two South, one Scotland, one UK-wide. Privately owned, high growth, Clear expectation of performance, with commission structures that reflect it.
If you know someone strong, send them over. If you want to know more, happy to have a confidential conversation.
Finance Director. Tech Business, Manchester. £110,000 basic + equity
PE-backed and properly ambitious. I’m looking for a Finance Director who can match that. Equity on the table for the right person, this is a business that’s going somewhere and wants a finance lead who gets that.
Final Thoughts
The market isn’t chaotic. It’s shifting and that’s where the opportunity sits.
Over the next few months, we’ll be breaking down what’s actually changing, where pressure is building, and where businesses are getting it right.
If you’re seeing something in the market, or dealing with a hire that isn’t straightforward, reach out.
And see you next month.
It’s good to be back!
