Blog

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.

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.

Discover how the Gravity Smart Campus near Bridgwater is transforming Somerset’s economy. From its wartime past to a £4 billion gigafactory investment

The South West is emerging as a key driver of the UK’s future economy, creating thousands of jobs built on human skills. From Tata’s £4bn Agratas Gigafactory in Bridgwater to Plymouth’s defence innovation and the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport, major investments are unlocking opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, cyber, sustainability, and more. This growth proves the future of work isn’t just about automation, it’s about people. For talent, it offers future-proof careers; for employers, a chance to invest in skills and secure the workforce that will drive the region forward.

The DBS Update Service is a simple, low-cost subscription that keeps your DBS certificate current and accessible online. For just £16 a year (free for volunteers), it saves time, reduces repeat checks, and helps employers make quicker recruitment decisions. Whether you work in healthcare, education, social care, or volunteer roles, joining ensures you stay job-ready while protecting organisations with up-to-date safeguarding information.

Preparing for an interview can be a challenge for any job seeker. Success is all in the preparation, and one way you can make the most of your time with a hiring manager, is by taking the STAR approach.

You’ve done the hard work. You’ve drafted your CV, done your research, prepared for your interviews and now you’ve secured the job offer you wanted. All you need to do now is resign from your current position. This should be the easy part, but for many people, it’s one of the most stressful aspects of making a career move.

Those who hold a CIPD qualification can also earn up to 12% more than those without, according to Lightcast. HR roles requesting CIPD Qualifications pay on average £4,400 more than without. The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualifications in 2025 will remain highly respected in the HR and people management field, with each level corresponding to specific career stages and responsibilities.

Lots of people become frozen with fear when it comes to writing a CV. The task feels too big and scary: as if your next job - maybe even an entire career - is riding on it. Relax. The goal of your CV is to secure an interview. No more, no less. Take one step at a time and you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by the recruitment process.