Executive Finance Quarterly Update – January 2025
The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands
Executive Finance Quarterly Update – January 2025
The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands
CFO Network Quarterly Update – January 2025
The latest data for CFO and Finance Director appointments across Yorkshire and the East Midlands has just been analysed.
Some of the headlines:
- 8% decrease against the rolling past year figures.
- Exactly the same number of appointments in the corresponding period in the previous year.
- Year-to-date appointments are tracking over 11% up against previous period.
Gender Diversity
Female appointments over the past few quarters have represented 31%, 24%, 27% & 27% of the total number. This past quarter:
- 31% female, 69% male
Strongest Sectors
- Manufacturing & Engineering 31%
- Not for Profit / Public Sector 13%
- Energy 10%
Other commentary
There are some consistent trends over the past few quarters
- SECTORS – Manufacturing & Engineering have consistently been the most prolific sector. Healthcare, Energy, Technology and Energy have almost always appeared in the Top 5 sectors for activity.
- OWNERSHIP STRUCTURES – Private Equity has represented between 24% and 32% of appointments over recent years. This number slipped in H1 of 2024 but has returned to normal levels. The number of pre-deal appointments has continued to increase.
- FRACTIONAL CFOs – Continues to rise. This is evolving to be the optimum solution for fast-growth, founder-led businesses. Our recent series of articles provides a further insight into this significant growth: 1) An overview of the Fractional CFO Market 2) Fractional CFOs – Explaining the growing market 3) Fractional CFOs – Explaining the Benefits and Opportunities for Finance Leaders
- INTERIMs – An increasing number of appointments proportional to the volume of available candidates.
- RESILIENCE – The most common competency found in CFO Person Specifications in 2024. Possibly, the most misunderstood competency as well in some cases – Does it mean “still standing as an individual in the face of challenges”? Or does it mean “navigating challenges, adapting to evolving situations, driving sustainable growth and taking the whole business with you”?
Our Outlook
Our Executive Finance business is experiencing a period of strong activity, with a diverse pipeline of opportunities. Remarkably, December proved to be far busier than anticipated, with new tenders and mandates, defying traditional seasonal trends.
Among our advisor community, there is a sense of optimism and sustained momentum, with many reporting confidence in a positive outlook for 2025.
However, it is worth noting that confidence among CEOs and CFOs in certain key sectors has taken a notable hit. Increased tax burdens, tightened margins, and the expectation of further price rises are creating a challenging landscape. These pressures are driving a heightened focus on cost management, efficiency gains, and strategic planning.
As we move into the new year, the priorities for our CFO community across the North and Midlands may be undergoing another shift. While this has been a recurring theme over the past few years, the evolving economic pressures make it clear that adaptability and resilience will remain critical in navigating the months ahead.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
