Blog

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.

The accounting world is transforming as professionals embrace the fractional finance model — offering expert financial leadership on demand. This forward-thinking approach allows businesses to access senior-level finance expertise flexibly and cost-effectively, while accountants gain freedom, variety, and balance. From fractional CFOs to part-time Financial Controllers, this new model is redefining careers and reshaping how firms operate in a digital, flexible economy.

From Hinkley Point C to the new Agratas Gigafactory and the Celtic Sea, the South West is shaping the UK’s engineering future. Dan Martin explores the innovation, investment and infrastructure transforming the region.

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

The accountancy profession is evolving fast. Discover how digital transformation, AI, and automation are reshaping accountants’ roles—from compliance experts to strategic business partners. Learn how firms can embrace technology, develop future-ready skills, and redefine their value in a connected, data-driven world.

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.

July 2025 Jobs Market: What South West Employers & Candidates Need to Know Based on the latest KPMG and REC, UK Report on Jobs Hiring Activity Slows But Opportunities Are There The July 2025 Jobs Report highlights a challenging but opportunity-filled market for South West businesses and job seekers.

March certainly bought new challenges and opportunities in the hiring market, and with the first quarter completed, usually we can being to form a view of the recruitment landscape but my gut is that this year will be different.

We are seeing positive signs in the employment market with available roles in the region up by 3% on January, which was up 67% on December. However this is down 19% on February last year, a sure sign that upcoming changes to the minimum wage and national insurance are having an impact.

As we expected, this month we have seen a rebound from the tighter December market with a 67% increase on regional role availability, a sign the employment market is heading for a better start to the year.

December can always prove a tighter employment market, with many celebrating the season with family and friends, and the search for a new role and new team members taking a back seat.

November was an interesting month in the employment market, following the announcement of the budget last month.