- RPO's and MSP's find increased competition from both sides - in-house and specialist recruiter - when seeking to cover professional roles. It's clear that more and more resourcing directors/managers are gaining a voice at board level, and that responsibility for meeting resourcing targets will become increasingly uncomfortable to devolve. Specialist recruiters will be offered 'outsourced' roles, somewhat like to old days of retained assignments, whereby the retainer is now simply a firm promise not to self-source.
- Globalisation of recruitment heats up. You only have to look at recent results of the international players to see where the real opportunities lie.This will in turn have an effect on the consolidation strategies of acquisitors as they will seek footprint rather than a single region market share.
- Compliance plays an increasing role - Auditable, traceable decision making will be increasingly demanded by hiring organisations and legislation.
- HMRC get it right over IR35. This is a big prediction, but it's clear that HMRC are really listening now and that consequent proposed legislation may at last iron out many or all of the anomalies and misunderstandings inherent in the current scheme.
- M&A activity begins to pick up in advance of a major surge in 2015. With the improving economic landscape, many owners will be seeking to repair some of the damage of recent years and building a firm foundation on which to base an offer for sale. By 2015 the ratios may have improved enough for there to be more energy, and many owners fatigued after the prolonged downturn will feel they are in a better position to negotiate an acceptable exit.
Should be a fun year! Have a good one...
