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.

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.

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.

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.

AI is reshaping the workplace, not by replacing people, but by changing how we work, the skills we need, and the opportunities we create. At our recent Talking HR event, leaders explored how responsible AI use can empower HR teams to work smarter, lead change, and build more inclusive, sustainable organisations

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.