Our trip to the UK in March, centred around the Finance, Accounting and Bookkeeping Show (FAB), gave us a valuable opportunity to spend time with partners, providers and teams across the profession.
It was also my first time visiting Cambridge, Peterborough and Birmingham. Beyond seeing these cities for the first time, the real value of the trip came from the conversations we had with firms about the challenges they are facing and how outsourcing is evolving within the accounting profession.
Talent Remains a Priority for UK Firms
A very similar theme emerged almost immediately. UK firms are incredibly proud of the talent within their organisations. Across the meetings we had, partners consistently spoke about the quality and ambition of the people coming through their doors.
The focus is no longer simply about recruiting talent. The bigger question firms are asking is how to keep that talent engaged, motivated and thriving in an environment where expectations continue to grow.
Growing Pressure Across the Profession
Workloads remain high across the profession. Regulatory requirements continue to increase and clients expect faster turnaround times, along with deeper insights from their advisors.
At the same time, the next generation entering the profession is looking for meaningful work, technical innovation and a healthy balance in their careers. Firms recognise that if they want to retain their best people, they need to create an environment where professionals can focus on the work that truly adds value.
Outsourcing Is Becoming a Long-Term Capacity Strategy
This is where outsourcing is increasingly entering the conversation.
What stood out during our March trip is that UK firms no longer view outsourcing purely as a short-term solution to fill a role or relieve seasonal pressure. Expectations have shifted. Firms are now looking for an outsourcing partner who can integrate seamlessly into their teams and help create long-term capacity within their organisations.
Integration Matters More Than Ever
Integration was one of the most discussed topics during our conversations.
Firms are looking for partners who can work within their systems, understand their processes and communicate effectively with their teams. They want outsourced professionals to feel like an extension of their firm rather than an external service provider sitting on the outside of their operations.
When this level of integration is achieved, outsourcing becomes far more valuable than simply adding extra hands during busy periods.
Supporting Internal Teams and Higher-Value Work
Many firms also spoke about how outsourcing allows their internal teams to shift their focus toward higher-value work.
Instead of spending large portions of their time on routine processes, local teams are able to focus on complex engagements, client relationships and take some well-earned leave. This shift not only improves efficiency within the firm, but also helps professionals develop more meaningful skills and career paths.
What Firms Now Expect From Outsourcing Partners
Firms expect outsourcing to contribute to the overall strength of their organisation.
They are looking for partners who can create capacity, support talented teams, provide valuable insights while performing the required functions, and allow firms to continue delivering high-quality work to their clients.
A Wider Conversation Around Talent and AI
During the trip, I also had the chance to spend some time in Birmingham and catch up with Martin Osler, who happened to be attending the HR Mind Summit at the same expo centre.
It was great to reconnect and exchange perspectives, particularly around the talent challenges organisations are facing. Hearing the conversation about his talk on the Dodo Brain theory, where AI is creating a lack of original thought, was a valuable insight for this space in time.
Outsourcing Has Matured
Looking back at the trip, the message from UK firms was clear. Outsourcing has matured.
Firms are no longer simply looking for additional capacity. They are looking for partners who understand their profession, provide value back to the firm, share insights, integrate effectively with their teams and contribute to the long-term success of the organisation. To begin your outsourcing strategy with trusted outsourcing expertise, give our team a call.
