As we reach the end of 2025, we’re reflecting on a year that’s been defined by growth, relationships, and impact. At Talent Finance, our mission has always been to connect exceptional finance professionals with the organisations that need them, and this year has reinforced just how powerful those connections can be.
From welcoming new talent to our own team, to placing senior finance leaders across Dorset, Hampshire, and London, 2025 has been a year of milestones. Here’s our roundup of the highlights, the impact we’ve made together, and what’s on the horizon for 2026.
Strengthening Our Team: Welcoming Anja Davison!
One of the most significant developments this year was welcoming Anja Davison to Talent Finance as Regional Director for the South Coast. Anja joined us with a clear mission: to build our brand presence and deepen our expertise in senior finance and C-suite recruitment across these key regions.
Anja’s approach to recruitment is rooted in relationships, integrity, and a genuine understanding of both client and candidate needs. Her impact has been immediate and far-reaching, with clients and candidates alike recognising the value she brings.
One candidate shared: “I was headhunted by Anja and couldn’t recommend her and the Talent Finance team more highly. I hadn’t been actively searching for a new position and don’t usually pay much attention to messages about positions I might be interested in, but the message I received from Anja felt different. It was energetic and engaging and peaked my interest. Anja demonstrated a deep and clear understanding of the business and the role and her energy, support and communication throughout the recruitment process were exceptional.”
We also welcomed Ellie Edwards to the team this year. Ellie brings fresh energy and a commitment to delivering the high standards our clients and candidates expect. She has proven herself exceptionally, earning a promotion within a short space of time and successfully managing Operations while Katherine, our Operations Manager, was on maternity leave welcoming her new addition. Ellie’s impact has strengthened our capacity to support the growing demand for finance recruitment across the UK.
A Year of Strong Client Relationships and Strategic Placements
At the heart of our success in 2025 has been the trust our clients place in us. We’ve been fortunate to work with a number of strong new clients, many of whom came to us through referrals and returning relationships. This speaks volumes about the quality of service we strive to deliver and the long-term partnerships we build.
Throughout the year, we’ve made numerous placements across a wide range of finance functions, including:
- Management Accountants
- FP&A Managers
- Financial Controllers
Beyond these, we’ve also supported organisations with strategic senior hires, including Finance Directors, CFOs, Managing Directors, and Group Operations Directors. These placements have spanned both permanent and interim appointments, reflecting the diverse needs of the market and our ability to deliver tailored, bespoke recruitment solutions.
Events and Thought Leadership
This year, we hosted our first CFO Breakfast, bringing together senior finance leaders for meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Events like these are central to our ethos at Talent Finance. We believe that recruitment is about more than filling vacancies; it’s about fostering community, sharing insight, and creating spaces where leaders can connect.
We also launched our Women in Finance blog series, spotlighting the incredible female leaders shaping the finance profession across the UK. The HM Treasury Women in Finance Charter continues to drive progress towards gender balance in financial services, and we’re proud to contribute to this conversation through our own platform. Our latest post features Gwynneth Page, whose career journey and insights offer inspiration to women at all stages of their finance careers.
These initiatives reflect our broader commitment to thought leadership and community building within the finance sector.
Supporting Julia’s House
Our work isn’t just about business success; it’s about making a positive impact in the communities we serve. This year, our team took part in The Great Tail Trail in support of Julia’s House, an award-winning children’s hospice charity that provides care for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses across Dorset and Wiltshire.
Julia’s House offers vital support not just to the children in their care, but to entire families navigating unimaginably difficult circumstances. Taking part in the walk was a small way for us to give back and raise awareness for such an important cause.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to share that our CEO, Martin Smith, will be running the London Marathon in 2026 to raise funds for Julia’s House. If you’d like to support Martin’s efforts and contribute to this incredible charity, you can donate here: https://lnkd.in/eDSWwNva.
Team Culture
While we’re proud of the professional milestones we’ve achieved this year, we’re equally proud of the team culture we’ve built. From a day at Royal Ascot, to team meals and coffee catch-ups, we’ve made time to enjoy each other’s company and recognise the hard work everyone puts in.
These moments matter. They remind us that while we’re in the business of helping others build great teams, we’re also committed to being a great team ourselves.
What’s Next for Talent Finance in 2026
As we look to 2026, we’re excited by what’s ahead. The new year will bring further growth and evolution for Talent Finance as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our expertise.
Expanding Our Team
In January, we’ll be welcoming a new team member who will strengthen our presence across Hampshire and Thames Valley. This addition will enable us to better serve clients and candidates in these regions and continue building the relationships that are at the heart of everything we do.
CFO Roundtable Events
We’re also planning a series of CFO Roundtable events throughout 2026. These invite-only gatherings will bring together senior finance leaders to discuss the strategic issues shaping the profession, from digital transformation to talent retention. Keep an eye out for more details in January!
Continued Growth as Part of Talent Group
As part of Talent Group Ltd, a Certified B Corporation, we’re committed to balancing purpose with performance. Our values-driven approach ensures that we remain accountable not just to our clients and candidates, but to the wider community and environment. This commitment will continue to guide our growth in 2026 and beyond.
Get Early Access to Our 2026 Salary Guide
Understanding the market is crucial for making informed hiring and career decisions. That’s why we have created our comprehensive 2026 Salary Guide, which includes:
- Market changes between 2024 and 2025
- Salary averages by role
- Changes by industry sector
- Geographic demand insights
- Expert analysis and insight from Talent Finance
If you’d like early access to the guide when it’s released, simply email us at info@talentfinance.com and we’ll make sure you’re first to receive it.
A Thank You to Our Community
As we close out 2025, we want to extend our gratitude to everyone who has been part of the Talent Finance journey this year. To our clients: thank you for trusting us to represent your brands and find the leaders who will drive your businesses forward. To our candidates: thank you for allowing us to be part of your career journeys. And to our team: thank you for your dedication, energy, and commitment to excellence.
2025 has been a year of growth, impact, and meaningful connections. As we look to 2026, we’re excited to build on this foundation and continue doing what we do best: connecting exceptional finance talent with the organisations that need them.
“Whether you are a candidate or hiring manager, you can expect excellence from Anja and the rest of the team at Talent Finance.”
Here’s to a successful 2026 for the entire Talent Finance community!
