Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly

Economic Outlook Roundtable: What Yorkshire’s Finance Leaders Are Saying About Growth, Hiring and the Road Ahead

Senior finance professionals from across Yorkshire recently joined Sharp Consultancy for an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring an economic update from Paul Mount, Economist and Deputy Agent at the Bank of England. The session provided a timely, in-depth look at the UK’s economic landscape — followed by a candid conversation about what businesses are experiencing on the ground.The picture that emerged was one of cautious realism. While official forecasts point to easing inflation and a gradual return to stability, many organisations across the region continue to navigate weak demand, rising labour costs, tightening legislation and stalled investment projects. Yet despite these pressures, there remains a strong sense of resilience and adaptability — qualities that have long defined the Yorkshire business community. At Sharp Consultancy, our specialist finance and accountancy teams speak daily to employers and professionals across commerce, industry, public practice and the not-for-profit sector. What we heard in this session closely aligns with the insight we gather from clients and candidates across the region. Below, we explore the key themes shaping business confidence, recruitment activity and the outlook for 2026. Inflation Is Easing, but Confidence Has Yet to Follow The Bank of England outlined its latest central forecast: Inflation expected to gradually return toward the 2% target. GDP growth set to remain modest but stable through 2026. Interest rates anticipated to settle around 3.5% based on market expectations. Unemployment projected to hold near 5%. However, the sentiment in the room was clear: despite improving headline numbers, confidence across most sectors remains fragile. Many organisations described the environment as “flat” — not contracting, but unable to capitalise fully on opportunities due to economic uncertainty. Sharp Consultancy continues to see this play out: businesses are stabilising rather than expanding, focusing on cash management, operational efficiency and carefully controlled hiring. Labour Costs Continue to Reshape Workforce Strategies Wage pressures were a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Employers highlighted: Significant increases to the National Living Wage. Higher employer National Insurance contributions. Expected future changes to minimum wage equalisation for younger workers. Rising cost and complexity associated with apprenticeships. These factors are pushing up costs at every level of the workforce and reshaping recruitment behaviours. Across Sharp Consultancy’s accountancy and finance divisions, we are seeing: Strong demand for replacement hires where roles are business critical. Lower volumes of growth hires, particularly in commercial and project-focused appointments. Clients increasingly prioritising candidates who bring breadth, adaptability and long-term value. Construction & Infrastructure: Capacity Under Pressure Leaders from the construction sector painted a challenging picture — one mirrored by many Sharp Consultancy clients operating across the wider built environment. Key themes included: Planning delays of 9–10 months, particularly related to the Building Safety Act. Businesses holding on to workforce capacity despite reduced margins — a strategy that may not be sustainable in 2026. Difficulty justifying new capital expenditure under IFRS when future cashflows are uncertain. Concerns that smaller subcontractors may not withstand prolonged delays or reduced demand.Yet, attendees also highlighted that construction could become a catalyst for economic recovery — provided policy reform and planning improvements unlock stalled projects. Manufacturing: Rising Costs and Shifting OperationsLeaders representing manufacturing shared concerns around: Rising energy and operational costs. Increased frequency of site closures and offshoring. Significant challenges in attracting engineering and technical talent. Early signs of contraction in several sub-sectors, with aerospace a notable exception. These pressures reinforce the growing importance of finance leaders who can model scenarios, manage volatility and guide long-term planning — roles Sharp Consultancy continues to support across the manufacturing landscape. Charity & Public Sector Organisations Facing Acute Strain For organisations reliant on local authority funding, the challenges are particularly stark. Attendees reported: Government and council funding caps. Rising NI, wage costs and VAT changes adding millions to annual budgets. Increasingly complex consultation requirements under forthcoming employment legislation. The likelihood of significant cuts to the frontline services in the months ahead.Sharp Consultancy’s continues to work closely with organisations navigating these pressures, supporting clients through restructuring, recruitment challenges and financial planning needs. Recruitment Outlook: Stability Over Expansion Across sectors, the message was consistent: 2026 is expected to be cautious, steady and focused on maintaining capability rather than expanding headcount. Attendees forecast: Workforce levels remaining broadly flat. Hiring driven by essential replacement roles. Transformation, M&A and large-scale project hiring likely to remain subdued. Improved recruitment confidence only once interest rates and policy direction stabilise. For employers, this means sharper competition for high-quality finance talent — an area where Sharp Consultancy’s specialist teams continue to provide targeted, market-led support. What Comes Next? A Slow but Steady Rebuild Despite the challenges discussed, the roundtable ended on a constructive note. Many leaders believe that once interest rates settle and stalled investment begins to move, the region could see a more meaningful upturn — potentially from 2026 onwards. Yorkshire businesses have proven time and again that they are resourceful, resilient and ready to adapt. Sharp Consultancy remains committed to supporting them through every stage — whether stabilising teams, recruiting future leaders, or navigating the next phase of growth. If you’d like to understand what these economic trends mean for your business or team, speak to our specialist consultants for a confidential market discussion. Contacts Us

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Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly Boost Your Chances of Landing the Right Role.

In the competitive world of recruitment, it's easy to think that submitting your CV online is all it takes to land your next role. However, there's one key step that many job hunters overlook — meeting with a recruiter. Whether it’s in person or virtual, meeting with a recruiter can considerably improve your chances of being shortlisted for the right role. Here’s why:

1. Personal Connection and Relationship Building

One of the biggest advantages of meeting a recruiter, preferably face-to-face, is the personal connection you create. While a CV provides an overview of your qualifications, a meeting gives you the chance to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and communication skills directly to us.

Recruiters are people too, and we make decisions based on more than just qualifications. We want to ensure that the companies we recommend you to are the right cultural and value fit. A direct conversation lets you express your motivations, career goals, and values, allowing the recruiter to match you with employers who align with your aspirations. Thus, less time wasted meeting employers who are not suited to your long-term career.

Additionally, meeting with one of our recruitment consultants before starting your job search provides an opportunity to experience an interview-like situation. This helps you address any nerves or confidence issues, ensuring you are well-equipped and prepared to deliver your best interview and secure your ideal role.

2. Better Understanding of Your Skills and Experience

Our recruiters are meticulously trained to examine your career history by asking you targeted questions that go beyond what’s written on your CV. They can explore your achievements in greater depth, uncovering experiences and skill that might not be immediately obvious in your application. This in-depth discussion helps us to understand the full picture of your abilities, ensuring confidence in presenting you to potential employers.

Often, candidates miss out on opportunities because their CV doesn’t reflect their full potential. A meeting ensures all your strengths, skills and relevant experience are communicated to potential employers in the most effective way to land the right role for you. Failing to do so may leave you at a disadvantage compared to other candidates who have already met with us.

3. Tailored Career Advice and Feedback

As recruitment consultants, we don’t just act as intermediaries between job seekers and employers; we are also valuable career advisors. By discussing your career ambitions in person, we can give you bespoke advice on how to improve your CV, enhance your interview performance, or even position yourself more effectively in the job market.

Furthermore, we can provide real-time feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring you're always ready for the next opportunity. A recruiter’s insight is a resource that could be the difference between a successful job application and a missed opportunity.

4. Greater Opportunity for Matchmaking

When we meet with you, we are armed with the knowledge we have gained over our many successful years to find roles that align with your skills, personality and values. For over 30 years, we have been working closely with businesses in Yorkshire and beyond to understand their specific requirements and the unique traits they seek in candidates.

Our deep understanding of these businesses extends beyond their immediate needs; we also learn about their culture, work environment, and what they are like as employers. This comprehensive approach allows us to match candidates with roles where they can truly thrive, ensuring a harmonious fit that benefits both the candidate and the employer. By prioritising this matchmaking process, we help build lasting professional relationships and contribute to the long-term success of both parties.

5. Increased Trust and Confidence

It is our professional responsibility to represent you and advocate for your candidacy. If we haven’t met you personally, it can be hard for us to build the confidence to represent you effectively. Meeting you in person gives us a much clearer sense of your professionalism, attitude, and future career potential.

If you are meeting with us after already being informed about a role, we are here to answer any questions you may have about the position or the company with complete honesty, ensuring transparency about the opportunity. This approach not only helps you feel more confident in your application but also reassures the us about your understanding and enthusiasm for the role. By fostering clear communication, we aim to make the application process smooth and successful for both parties.

Two people shake hands over a desk with a laptop, documents, and coffee cups. The setting suggests a professional agreement.

6. Increased Visibility and Priority

The job market is often crowded, and candidates can easily get lost in the shuffle. When you meet with us, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to stand out. We are far more likely to prioritise candidates we have met and connected in person with over those we’ve only spoke to over the phone.

In addition, the candidates who we haven’t met are put to the back of the queue when it comes to being put forward for jobs. The sooner we meet you and evaluate your abilities, the sooner we can advocate for you when speaking to clients.

Meeting with us provides an opportunity to make a lasting impression, distinguish you from other candidates and showcase your unique qualities and potential contributions you can provide for any future employers.

7. Access to Exclusive Opportunities

Many of our clients have relied on our services for years, building strong, trusting relationships with us. Because of this, they often provide us with exclusive access to new job opportunities before they have been advertised elsewhere. Having that initial meeting with us at the earliest opportunity allows us to recommend you to roles before they have even been made available to the rest of the general public.

On top of that, clients often give us full exclusivity on their current vacancies. So, if you’ve already been met and screened by us, you’ll get immediate access to these opportunities, meaning less competition and less time job hunting.

8. A Partnership in Your Job Search

Ultimately, when you meet with us, you’re not just handing over your CV and hoping for the best. You’re building a partnership with the North’s leading independent finance and accountancy recruitment consultancy which will last you your whole career.

At Sharp Consultancy, all of our recruitment consultants are experts in their own specialist sector of finance and accountancy recruitment. We become your ally in your job search, working with you to identify the right roles, preparing you for interviews, and supporting you throughout the entire hiring process.

This partnership can be incredibly valuable, especially in a job market where competition is fierce. With our consultant’s specialist knowledge and valuable connections, you have a better chance of landing a role that truly aligns with your career aspirations.

On a final note

While applying for jobs online can certainly yield results, meeting with one of our recruitment consultants is a game-changer. Not only does it increase your chances of being put forward for the right opportunities, but it also helps you stand out, receive tailored advice, and form a relationship with someone who’s invested in your success.

If you’re serious about your job search and want to maximise your chances of landing your next role, take the time to meet with a recruiter. It could be the key that unlocks the door to your ideal job.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.