At Talent Finance, we make it our mission to stay close to the market not only to support our clients and candidates more effectively, but to offer real-time insights into the financial talent landscape across the UK and beyond.
Over the past few months, a noticeable shift has been taking place, particularly within internationally exposed sectors such as retail and wholesale. One of the most disruptive forces we’re hearing about from clients and contacts alike is the renewed impact of the Trump-era tariffs.
The Trump Tariffs, a renewed strain on global trade
While many UK businesses may feel somewhat distanced from the political movements in the US, the ripple effects of international trade policy are being acutely felt. Several of our contacts in globally connected businesses, particularly those reliant on imports or transatlantic supply chains, are reporting severe operational and financial strain due to the reactivation or intensification of tariffs introduced during the Trump administration.
In some cases, we’ve seen this contribute to early exits from senior contracts, where CFOs and Finance Directors have chosen, or been forced, to step away due to the pressures on the businesses themselves. Rising costs, squeezed margins and supply chain uncertainty have made the road ahead increasingly difficult for leadership teams already grappling with post-pandemic volatility and inflation.
Cautious Confidence, the mixed picture for senior finance roles
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the flow of senior finance opportunities, particularly at CFO and Finance Director level, has slowed in recent months. While not at a standstill, the market has clearly taken a more cautious stance. Many leadership teams are pausing on permanent hires while they reassess risk, strategy, and forecast reliability amid global turbulence.
Yet it’s not all doom and gloom.
Alongside the challenging stories, we are also hearing from clients, especially those with a stronger UK domestic focus or in sectors like tech, healthcare, and parts of professional services, that there are signs of growing confidence. Some finance leaders are seeing budgets reopen, hiring plans restart, and M&A conversations resurface, suggesting that momentum is returning in select pockets of the market.
What does this mean for finance hiring?
In short, we’re seeing an increasingly bifurcated market. Businesses exposed to global supply chains and international trade uncertainty are understandably hesitant, while others are beginning to look ahead with cautious optimism.
For candidates at the senior level, this means being agile, informed, and ready to navigate a patchier landscape than usual. For clients, it underlines the importance of hiring strategically, being prepared to act quickly when the right talent becomes available, but also building resilience through interim and project-based support where needed.
Need Market-Specific Advice?
If you’re a CFO, FD, or senior finance leader looking for your next opportunity, or a business rethinking your finance leadership structure, the Talent Finance team is here to support you with market intelligence, strategic hiring advice, and access to top-tier UK finance talent.
Get in touch to speak with one of our expert consultants today.