2025 in Review: UK & Scottish Accountancy Practices
As we prepare to end 2025 and step into Christmas, the most common question in conversations with candidates and clients, particularly at the mid-to-senior level is; what is the market looking like?
The cost-cutting of 2024 has largely given way to a more measured environment in 2025, with firms operating leaner and clients remaining selective about where they deploy advisory spend. Overall growth has been slower, but demand has proven resilient in specialist areas such as digital transformation, AI and cybersecurity.
The year ahead therefore opens with a market that is no longer in downturn, but not yet in full expansion.
Steady growth, selective hiring
The market grew steadily, but recruitment was more considered. Every hire was measured for ROI, utilisation, and future leadership potential, resulting in sustainable growth rather than reactive expansion.
Good people are still moving
Managers and Senior Managers changed roles thoughtfully, prioritising culture, leadership, and career progression over headline pay. Practices that clearly communicated vision, culture and progression were most successful in attracting top talent.
Retention quietly overtook attraction
Retention became a priority. Firms focused on keeping key people engaged through clear career paths, succession visibility, and workload management, preserving client relationships while strengthening growth foundations.
Consolidation in the Scottish Market
2025 saw UK-wide groups like Cooper Parry, Smith & Williamson, TC Group, and AMS Group Accountants expand into Scotland through acquisitions, office launches, and senior hires.
This has intensified competition for Managers and Senior Managers with client-facing skills, while larger groups offer structured career paths that appeal to ambitious candidates. At the same time, culture and autonomy have become central to hiring conversations. Independent practices that clearly articulate decision-making autonomy, culture, and progression continue to compete effectively, offering influence and proximity to partners that larger groups cannot replicate.
Consolidation is set to remain a defining feature of the UK consulting market in 2026, and firms that proactively shape their narrative will attract and retain the best talent.
The One Hiring Trend We’re Betting On for 2026
Hiring with succession in mind
Firms that frame Manager roles as stepping stones to Senior Manager or leadership positions are moving faster and retaining talent longer. Clear career pathways, strategic thinking, and early talent identification are helping practices build strong leadership benches. This trend is set to accelerate in 2026.
One Thing We’re Telling Every Client Going Into 2026
Hire for future leadership, not just current experience.
Senior candidates in UK accountancy and advisory firms want roles that offer strategic influence, team leadership, and clear progression. Firms that communicate career paths, emphasise culture and autonomy, and move decisively will attract and retain the best executives in 2026.
Contact Jeff McCaskill – jeff.mccaskill@iconicresourcing.com to discuss your next move or next hire.