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Business Confidence Report 2025 | Your strategic compass for H2

Matthew Wilcox our consultant managing the role

UK & Ireland Finance Job Market determined to outperform 2024

Despite mounting economic headwinds and a barrage of uncertainty both domestically and globally, 50% of finance, tech and legal professionals expect their company’s performance to improve, according to our 2025 Business Confidence Report.

Established in 2010, our annual report contains valuable insights from 1,800+ finance and tech business professionals. We work closely with key recruitment consultants and clients to provide the latest in market trends and salary benchmarking across all its specialist sectors across its UK, Ireland and Europe.

The data paints a picture of cautious yet defiant optimism across the corporate landscape.

Matt Wilcox | Managing director

While there’s optimism, it comes against a backdrop of fewer than 5% of our respondent’s expressing confidence in the UK and Ireland’s wider economic prospects, This juxtaposition highlights the resilience and adaptability of UK firms, many of which are evidently determined to navigate their own course despite turbulent macroeconomic conditions.

The confidence gap also suggests that businesses are insulating their operations from broader market pessimism. Economic uncertainty remains the dominant concern, with more than 40% citing it as their primary worry. This unease is fuelled by a volatile fiscal environment, driven in part by rising operational costs such as the increase in employer National Insurance contributions and a higher National Living Wage. These measures, though designed to support workers, are stretching payroll budgets and complicating strategic planning for many employers.

The rising cost of living and stubbornly high inflation are also weighing heavily, with over 30% of respondents highlighting them as key inhibitors to business assurance. These pressures are not only squeezing consumer spending but are also translating into tighter margins and increased supplier costs. Adding to the strain are elevated interest rates and borrowing costs, which continue to impact access to affordable finance, particularly for growth-focused SMEs.

On the international front, the revival of trade protectionism is sending ripples throughout the UK. The introduction of increased tariffs under US President Donald Trump is raising fresh concerns for exporters and importers alike, even with the recent deal brokered between the US and UK to slash tariffs across a number of goods. Combined with geopolitical instability and ongoing global conflict, these issues are further destabilising the outlook for internationally exposed businesses.

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Hiring sentiment offers further insights into how businesses are adapting. Just 13.35% of companies are actively growing their headcount, with nearly half opting for selective hiring. This cautious approach suggests that while growth is a goal, it is being pursued with prudent resource allocation. A notable 23.65% of firms are maintaining a hiring freeze, and almost 15% are actively reducing or considering reducing headcount—an indication that businesses are battening down the hatches in anticipation of continued uncertainty.

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The findings from our 15th annual Salary and Market Trends Report paint a nuanced picture. There is a genuine belief among many businesses in their ability to outperform 2024, yet that belief exists alongside very real fears about the broader economic environment. This suggests that while confidence in government policy and economic stewardship may be low, business leaders are focusing on what they can control: operational resilience, selective growth, and strategic hiring. 

Looking to strengthen your hiring strategy for the second half of 2025?

If you’re seeking a partner to help refine your hiring strategy and secure top talent in this evolving market, submit a brief today and one of our specialists will be in touch to support your next steps. 

10/07/25