Blog

The UK Manufacturing PMI has moved back into growth for the first time in over a year. What does this mean for employers and candidates in the South West? Cathedral Appointments explores the data and what it means for recruitment.

Accountancy has transformed more in five years than in the previous fifty. This roadmap explores the five pillars accountants and firms must focus on to stay resilient, relevant and ahead of the curve into 2026 and beyond.

How strong is demand for Business Support staff in the South West in 2025? Dataled insight and practical advice for employers and jobseekers.

In 2025, the era of the one-size-fits-all accountant is fading fast. As automation takes over routine compliance and competition grows louder, clients are searching for something technology can’t replicate: deep sector knowledge, specialist insight, and advice tailored to their world. This shift is fueling the rise of niche accountancy firms — and those who commit to a clear specialism are seeing stronger margins, sharper marketing, and deeper client loyalty. In a market where breadth is easy to find, focus is what wins.

The HR landscape has transformed more in the past three years than in the decade before. As businesses navigate hybrid working, engagement challenges, wellbeing expectations and ongoing organisational change, HR professionals have become central to stability, culture and long-term strategy.

From offshore wind in the Celtic Sea to battery innovation in Somerset, the South West is leading the UK’s green engineering revolution. In this blog, I’ll explores how sustainability and engineering are reshaping the region’s future.

Many businesses underestimate recruitments hidden costs. They see a fee but not the value behind it. Yet using a specialist recruiter is not simply an operational choice, it is a commercial one that protects productivity, reduces risk and strengthens long term performance. For hiring managers the right recruitment partner can reduce cost, improve quality and speed up hiring in a competitive market.

Cathedral Appointments became a certified B Corp in June 2025. Six months on, our commitment to responsible business, ethical recruitment and community impact remains stronger than ever. Becoming a B Corp didn’t change who we are. It simply gave us a framework to measure and demonstrate the positive impact we already make across the South West. Our focus remains people first, community centred and purpose driven. We are proud to continue strengthening the South West economy through responsible recruitment practices that put integrity, wellbeing and long term value at the heart of everything we do.

Explore how Business Support roles have evolved, why AI adoption is essential, and the modern skills employers need to hire top Business Support talent.

Across the UK, accountancy firms are facing one of the most competitive hiring environments in recent memory. Demand for skilled finance professionals is at an all-time high but supply simply isn’t keeping up.

From Plymouth Freeport to Appledore Shipyard, the South West is driving the UK’s marine engineering future. Dan Martin explores the innovation, sustainability and skills shaping this vital regional sector.

Navantia UK’s investment at Appledore Shipyard marks a new era for North Devon’s maritime industry. The historic yard is being transformed into a modern manufacturing hub, supporting the UK’s Fleet Solid Support programme and creating skilled jobs for the region. This development signals renewed confidence in the South West’s industrial future combining heritage, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.