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Where to focus your finance recruitment efforts

The UK finance sector remains a cornerstone of the economy, offering a wide range of opportunities and attracting top talent. However, finding the right finance professionals can be challenging. We're here to guide you through key UK hubs, helping you fill your next finance vacancy.

The UK's financial services sector, despite economic fluctuations, maintains its significance. Reports from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlight the sector's contribution to the UK economy, bringing in £208.2 billion to the UK economy in 2023 and 1.17 million financial services jobs in the UK in the first quarter of 2024.

This stability, coupled with the increasing demand for specialist roles in areas like financial technology (FinTech) and regulatory compliance, makes strategic recruitment crucial.

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Regional powerhouses: Where to find finance talent

Several regions stand out for their strong finance presence.

London: The global finance capital

As a leading global financial centre, with over 300 languages spoken, London offers a vast pool of finance talent. From investment banking and asset management to accounting and compliance, London is a hub for diverse specialisms with deep pools of internationally oriented capital, being responsible for $3.8tn in daily foreign exchange trading. While competition is intense, the concentration of major financial institutions makes it a prime location for finding top-tier professionals.

Related: Contact the Michael Page London office for top recruiters in London

Manchester: A growing financial hub

Manchester's financial services sector is expanding rapidly, driven by its strong economy and growing FinTech scene, contributing over £1billion to the regional economy. The city offers a diverse range of opportunities in areas like corporate finance, accounting, and financial analysis. Its strategic location and growing business community make it an attractive destination for finance professionals.

Related: Contact the Michael Page Manchester office for top recruiters in Manchester

Edinburgh: A centre for financial services

Edinburgh's established financial services sector, particularly in asset management and insurance, makes it a key hub for finance recruitment. The city's strong professional networks contribute to a highly skilled talent pool, with over 200 FinTech's based in Scotland, 161,000 Faster Payment Service (FPS) jobs and FPS making up £3.7bn of its exports, reported by The Global City.

Related: Contact the Michael Page Edinburgh office for top recruiters in Edinburgh

Birmingham: Emerging finance talent

Birmingham is rapidly emerging as a significant financial services hub, driven by its growing number of FinTech startups, with over 179% growth in the West Midlands in last three years. With a focus on areas like accounting, financial planning, and risk management, the city offers a diverse range of opportunities. Its central location and strong business community make it an attractive destination for employers and finance professionals.  

Related: Contact the Michael Page Birmingham office for top recruiters in Birmingham

How Michael Page can support your finance recruitment needs

Michael Page's offices are well-placed across the UK to connect the best candidates and forward-thinking companies.

Our specialist finance recruiters possess in-depth knowledge of local markets and access to a broad network of qualified candidates. We can help you:

  • Identify the best talent: We understand the specific skills and experience required for various finance roles and can connect you with the most suitable candidates.
  • Streamline the hiring process: We manage the entire recruitment process, from sourcing and screening candidates to helping you negotiate offers, saving you valuable time and resources.
  • Provide market insights: We offer valuable insights into salary trends, skills shortages, and other market dynamics to help you make informed decisions.

Whether you're seeking experienced finance directors, skilled accountants, or proficient financial analysts, partnering with Michael Page can provide a competitive edge in your search for top talent.

Contact your local Michael Page office today to discuss your finance recruitment needs and discover how we can help you build a high-performing finance team. Find your next finance professional with Michael Page.

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