News & Thoughts

Today’s workplace moves at an ever-increasing pace, and while technical know-how will get you so far, strong HR professional interpersonal skills are the things that build trust, encourage change, and make businesses better places to work for everyone.

We’re nearly halfway through 2025, and whilst we shouldn’t need to be still having the conversation around the gender wage gap, and how women are kept out of boardrooms and passed over for opportunities, we are. Many businesses shout the words equality and diversity from various rooftops, yet despite these good intentions, these gaps and deficiencies still exist. Let’s be fair, it’s not all doom and gloom. The gender pay gap has been closing year by year, due to changes in legislation requiring businesses with over 250 staff to report on their salaries. There are more women than ever before in senior leadership roles, and whilst we no longer scoff at the idea of women in the boardroom, there’s still work to be done. Here at Sewell Wallis, we like to talk about difficult topics, and we like to get everyone involved in these conversations.

Recruiting top financial talent is a critical challenge for UK SMEs, especially in a landscape littered with economic uncertainty and driven by rapid technological change. Over £20 billion was earmarked for recruitment in 2024, and in 2025, SMEs are demonstrating a strong commitment to growth and innovation. This guide offers a structured approach to navigating the complexities of finance recruitment, ensuring your SME attracts and retains the right talent.​