The summer months were far from quiet for finance teams across the UK. In August, senior hires, strategic promotions, and new CEO appointments continued at pace, alongside funding rounds and key operational updates.

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These movements are creating fresh opportunities as head into the final straight of 2025 for accountancy firms, fintechs, and financial solution providers targeting CFOs and FDs. Here’s a short overview of some of the key signals from August.

3,096+ Key UK Finance Appointments Reviewing Suppliers

Thousands of new senior finance leaders stepped into roles last month. These individuals are now reviewing strategies, systems, and supplier partnerships, representing essential prospects for business development teams targeting FDs:

• Genus PLC – Andy Russell, Chief Financial Officer
• Aer Lingus – Nessa McNeela, Chief Financial Officer
• JML – Harry Keeton, Finance Director
• CloserStill Media – George Eades, Finance Director - M&A and Special Projects
• McAuliffe Group – Nick Aston, Group Finance Director
• The King's School – Malcolm Johnston, Chief Finance Officer
• Paddle – Oliver White, Chief Financial Officer
• Funky Pigeon – Julie Gledhill-Carr, Finance Director
• Longleat – Rich Keeble, Finance Director

1,165 Promotions Creating New Opportunities

Promotions often bring new strategies and budget reallocations. Some notable finance promotions in August include:

• Yours Clothing – Hannah Quy, Chief Financial Officer
• Algeos – Jennifer Jackson, Finance Director
• QBE Insurance – Laura Dobbyn, Chief Financial Officer, QBE Capital
• The Big Table Group – Lisa Harrland, Chief Financial Officer
• Fixr – Louis Bazy, CFO
• Phenna Group – Robert Rostas, Group CFO and Chief Operating Officer
• Rosemont Pharmaceuticals – Stacy Hopson, Group Finance Director
• Galgorm Collection – Tiarnn Oneill, Chief Financial Officer

444 New CEOs Influencing Financial Strategies

CEO appointments often signal upcoming strategic reviews, impacting finance priorities and operations:

Key Finance and Strategic Signals from August

Several operational trends from UK companies last month are generating new opportunities for finance solution providers:

• Funding Rounds: 110 companies received new funding, potentially expanding teams and investment in financial systems.
• Acquisitions: 79 companies made acquisitions in July, triggering integration needs for finance systems.
• International Expansion: 354 UK companies discussed international growth, highlighting demand for FX, cross-border compliance, and tax solutions.
• Increasing Headcount: 567 companies significantly increased headcount, opening opportunities in payroll, expense management, and financial planning.
• Sustainability Initiatives: 5,936 companies talked sustainability, signalling opportunities for ESG reporting tools and sustainable finance services.
• Office Moves: 307 companies discussed new office spaces,
• Employee Benefits: Trends in private healthcare (2,514 companies), gym schemes (2,295), EV schemes (583), cycle-to-work schemes (2,930), childcare (463), graduate hiring (135), apprentices (128), and wellbeing initiatives (380) indicate areas where finance leaders may be evaluating spend and suppliers.
• Inclusion and Diversity: 3,636 companies are focused on inclusive employment practices, 886 discussing diversity, 174 championing female employees, and 293 promoting flexible working.

Honch tracks these movements and signals in real time, enabling proactive engagement when CFOs and Finance Directors are assessing new solutions and shaping their financial strategies.

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