Mid-week Matters, From CMR – Issue 5

👋 Morning all, Josh here with Issue 5 of Mid-week Matters!

Now, before we get into things, you’ll have heard the line “you’re gonna need a bigger boat”. 

It’s been 50 years since Jaws was released in cinemas, and because I couldn’t think of a better segue than this: 

We’re gonna need a bigger room… for our next The Future of Umbrella event! 

After announcing the date (15/09/2025), venue (Cloud 23, Manchester) and speakers ( Sebastian Sauca , Chris Bryce , Poonam Mawani , Simon Bliss ), 95% of the available tickets have GONE! 

Luckily, there’s been no change of venue, but we have managed to get a bigger room. 

If you’re part of the umbrella or recruitment supply chain and want to be in the room when we unpack the new legislation, this is the one to attend. 

More on that below, alongside a BIG role we’re working on, some interesting whispers around limited company contracting, and a few reflections from clients who’ve diversified like pros in the last 12 months.

Let’s get into it.

🔦 Spotlight: September’s Shaping Up To Be A Big One

 📅 15th September 2025 📍 Cloud 23, Manchester 🎤 Sebastian Sauca, Chris Bryce, Poonam Mawani, Simon Bliss

If you missed my posts and skipped the opening section, here’s a rundown on the next Future of Umbrella event. 

With draft umbrella legislation due on the 21st of this month, the timing couldn’t be better (digest everything over the summer hols, get the kids back to school, come to this event. This is your chance to hear directly from the people shaping, scrutinising, and surviving the changes.

Expect insight, real discussion, and (as always) proper networking. 

Big thanks to My Digital and Thrivr Perks for sponsoring this one.

Want a link to register? Drop me, Jake O'Rourke , or Luke Shelbourne a message. But do be quick we only have a few spots left, even with the extra room. 

💼 Role Up, Role Up - CMR Roles of the Fortnight

Managing Director – Accountancy Practice

• A fast-growing firm (with actual awards for culture and service) is looking for a seasoned MD to take the reins. This is a real growth role, scaling, developing leadership, winning work, shaping the future.
• 💰 Salary? Whatever it takes.
• 📈 Shares? On the table.
• 🏆 Culture? I repeat, awards won for this. 
• I need someone commercial, proven, and ambitious. Could be the move someone’s been waiting for. Contact me for a confidential chat.

Sales – Contractor Experience Consultant

• Luke’s hiring in South Manchester! £30k basic + realistic £45k OTE. Great team, strong product, and a business that actually invests in people.

Practice Accountant Roles – x6 Across the NW

• Jake’s been busy. Flexible working, up to £55k, and pathways to Practice Manager for the right people. Ideal for senior accountants who want more ownership without the usual politics.

From CMR, With LinkedIn Love

• I mix business and pleasure whilst on holiday here. 
• Luke’s got a post with roles, hols, and humble boasts here.  
• Jake finally (FINALLY) gets his wish, announcing that we’ve just switched CRM software here. 

💡 Fortnight Insight: Diversification & Return of LTD? 

First off, let’s talk about diversification. I work with a broad range of brolly’s and have been in the sector for some time. 

Diversifying your revenue opportunity isn’t a new thing. But, the last 12 months have focused on a big topic - changing shape.

What’s worked?

• International service lines
• Launching SME accountancy arms
• Adding contract-focused consulting offers
• Bolting on tech and funding services

It’s not about chasing shiny objects. It’s about creating resilience. If you’ve been putting it off, is now the time to revisit the plan? Yes, because you’ll likely be left behind. 

Some of you are definitely old enough to remember when the big accountancy firms started to veer towards a “trusted advisor” market position. Is this happening in our sector? Offering more to clients, so they can just focus on recruiting. 

It’s a word I hate using, but these moves certainly help you to become more “sticky” to clients. 

Market Rumour: Limited Co. Comeback?

There’s quiet confidence building across the limited company contracting space. Settled legislation. Cleaner risk landscape.

No one’s declaring a full comeback yet, but the hesitation is softening. 

ContractorUK did flag this back in late 2024 (see here). But, what do YOU think? Are we going to see a surge like we did nearly 10 years ago? Or is it too premature to predict?  

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

📅 And Finally: Manchester. September. Don’t Miss It.

Tell you once, good for you. Tell you twice, good for me. Tell you three times, I can’t really tell you again.

Just in case you missed the first section and skimmed the middle bit, here’s your final reminder:

Monday 15th September. Cloud 23. Umbrella legislation unpacked. Proper industry chat.

Message me for the link, and I’ll get you on the list.

Thanks for reading and your support.