Market Update: Where are we Post-Brexit?

The results of Markit’s recent PMI (the Purchasing Managers Index) survey has the put the minds of the British public at ease (for now) as the unexpected rebound of the service sector adds to a string of positive market news on exports, jobs and houses.

Markit recorded the biggest month on month increase in the survey’s history and shows figures increasing from 47.4 in July to 52.9, far exceeding the 50 mark needed for growth.The service sector makes up a staggering 80% of the UK economy

 

From these results it is now clear that Britain will avoid the expected recession many thought would follow after the June's historic vote.

"The services PMI completes a triple-whammy of good economic data for the UK in the last three trading sessions and indicates that businesses are returning to normal after the initial shock of the vote rocked confidence," said Neil Wilson, a financial market analyst at ETX Capital.

 

Britain’s economic situation is looking brighter with the value of the pound going up on a seven week high against the value of the dollar - $1.3375, and the value of the pound beginning to steady.

Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley have both 'rowed back' on their predictions after the better than expected results. Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, has described himself as feeling 'absolutely serene' with the banks preparations and actions which he says allowed Britain's economy to 'sail through' the shock impact following the referendum.
 

The City of London, however, is not sitting on its hands and has already stepped up lobbying efforts with the new Chancellor Philip Hammond to ensure that processes are not rushed and to stress the importance of access to the single market. The Financial Services industry accounts for more than 12% of the UK's exports, contributing £60 billion in tax and employing 1 million people.

How are the Big Four after the Brexit vote?

Deloitte

Deloitte’s UK revenues have grown at the fastest rate in a decade, according the latest figures.The company experienced a “landmark” year in Scotland, strengthened its Transaction Services practice in the North of England and Group revenue for Deloitte has increased by 11.2 per cent for the year to May 2016 to £3.1bn.

Managing Partner, David Sproul, has suggested that the government should not reduce hiring skilled migrants: “The government must recognise that further restricting skilled migrants could be detrimental to the UK’s ability to attract global investment and the diverse pool of international talent that has supported our country’s growth”.
 

KPMG
 

KPMG continues to be the preferred UK's auditor for stock market clients, having created six new contracts in the last quarter. The Head of KPMG's deal advisory practice in the Midlands has stated that there is still a healthy appetite for deals in the region describing the environment as conducive.  

 

PWC
 

PWC remains in second place behind KPMG with 369 total clients and has come out confidently stating that London's dynamism means that it would remain agile and resilient to any potential fallout from Brexit and that the City had managed to  'pull away' from other global rivals this year.
 

EY
 

 EY has noted the opportunities for businesses that will come as a result of any renogiations and has stated that due to UK's strong performance in the past year it has retained it's spot as the number one place in Europe for foreign investment.

 

The future is looking a lot brighter than many experts initially thought, we now await to see how the new government intends to take Britain forward.
 

If you'd like to hear more about our market updates then register for our newsletter by emailing pmcloughlin@thinkgr.com.

LONDON TO SYDNEY – NOT JUST A CAREER CHANGE BUT A LIFE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER – Samantha Frost, British CA

In 2005, Samantha moved from London to Sydney. She had a friend who wanted to travel with her originally but sadly had to pull out. This did not stop Samantha though and 10 years, a husband and 2 children later, Samantha is still in Sydney and has never looked back!

We recently caught up with Samantha to find out about her move and how her life is now.

Did you have any concerns with moving overseas?

I had previously lived for a year in Spain, having moved there knowing no-one and not speaking a word of Spanish so it wasn’t too scary but the thought of leaving my parents as I am an only child was concerning. I knew no one in Australia but I reconciled myself to leaving with the knowledge that I would be able to come home if I was miserable.

When you arrived in your location, how long did it take you to settle in?

I think I settled in fairly quickly. The routine of work and forming friendships via my job made it easier to settle in. The gorgeous weather and outdoor lifestyle really suited me as well. A year after my move, I met my husband through my work and meeting him and having that security quickly made Sydney feel like home. 

Did your move meet your original expectations? How?

Sydney’s lifestyle exceeded my expectations as the people were very welcoming. It also made me realise how unhealthy my lifestyle in London had become. Life in Sydney made me feel immediately healthier and better as I wasn’t spending every evening in the pub with friends. As I didn’t have friends immediately, I had much more time to do recreational sightseeing. I fell in love with the city!

What was the biggest benefit of moving?

The best thing about my move to Sydney was meeting my husband. The biggest benefit to my move now is the childhood and lifestyle my children enjoy, something they would in no way have in London. The weather is far better in Sydney, the city is beautiful and our house here is much better than the one we would have had in the UK.  I also gained enough experience during my first placement, that myself and my husband felt we could open our own management consultancy.

What were the highlights of Sydney?

The weather and city were definite highlights for me. As well as this, the work/life balance I achieved in my second job was great. The people were very welcoming.

What culture differences did you notice?

The Australian and British cultures are very similar.   I found the main difference to be in the lifestyle. Australia’s lifestyle is based on the outdoors and is a lot healthier than the UKs.

If you are in a different location to where we placed you, when and why did you leave?

After my initial role in Sydney with PwC, I moved my career on to work for Macquarie Bank. I then stayed at that job until 2013 when I left to have my second child. After this, I joined my husband at his management consultancy.   

What is your current job title?

I am a Director.

What, in your opinion, are the advantages of working overseas in terms of gaining future employment?

I would not have got my second role if I had not moved to Sydney. Because of my move, I am much more self-reliant and I am not scared to fail. I am also much braver and bolder because of my international move and having to fit in with other cultures.

What advice would you offer accountants thinking about moving overseas?

Do it! If it all goes wrong, you can go home and at least you will have tried. If it goes right however, it will massively improve your life and career.

How did Think Global Recruitment assist you in securing your job?

They were very encouraging my consultant, had already moved from UK to Australia previously. He gave me the confidence to make the move from London and then when I was ready to move on from my first job, he helped me gain my new role, a move which I would never have imagined I could do.

What are the advantages of applying for a job through Think Global Recruitment?

The firm’s (Think Global Recruitment’s) market knowledge is an advantage definitely. Consultant’s commitments, client contacts and networking abilities were also positives.

We wish Sam and her husband all the best in the running of their consultancy Think Consulting.

ACCOUNTANCY WORLDWIDE ONLINE WEBINAR

Dear Reader...

OK, so, some blatant advertising below...However, I just didn't want anyone to miss out on this.  

Everyone know's they have a strength at something and interview preparation is most certainly an area I receives excellent feedback on.  I thought I should share the extensive experience I have in this area.   If you sign up and do not feel you received value for money from this Webinar, please do let me know and I will refund your registration.

Happy to receive feedback after on this blog.

Kind regards,   Abigail 

ACCOUNTANCY WORLDWIDE ONLINE WEBINAR

 Interview Preparation for Career Progression(Video/Phone/Face to Face) 

Thursday 6 June 20137pm UK time 8pm Central European/South African time 

Presenter:  Abigail Stevens, Managing Director,Think Global Recruitment

Fellow Recruitment and Employment Confederation

Interviewing can be nerve racking enough, but sometimes the thought of doing it by phone or video conference can be even harder to get your mind around. This valuable, not to be missed webinar will not only cover the various types of interview techniques for face to face interviews, but also tips on getting through a telephone or video interview.

The topic of discussion will be ‘Interview Preparation for Career Progression – Video/Phone/Face-to-Face’ and will be delivered by Abigail Stevens who has around 20 years’ experience assisting professionals secure roles throughout the globe.

This amazing opportunity will give professionals who are interested in advancing their career, now or in the future, the opportunity to find out what it is required of them during the interview process, providing hints, tips and advise on potential stumbling blocks.

This webinar that could improve your life costs just £10 (c. 11.70 €) to attend. To register and pay please follow this link:

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/6797789371

To allow us to tailor the presentation for the audience or if you have any questions please contact Gordon Barclay via email – gbarclay@thinkgr.com or telephone +44 131 260 5850.

We look forward to registering you for this special event.  Please feel free to share this with others that would be interested in attending.

EVENT INFORMATION

Presenter

Abigail Stevens FRIP

Program Title

Interview Preparation for Career Progression (Video/Phone/Face to Face)

Presenter Biography

Abigail Stevens is professionally, exam and time qualified as a full member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Having spent 8 years working in marketing, Abigail moved into the recruitment industry in 1996 and founded Think Global Recruitment in 2000. In the 18 years since Abigail has placed accountants at all levels, all over the world and has experience of living and working in Australia,England and Scotland. Throughout her career Abigail has traveled extensively conducting presentations and networking with global organizations and institutes and has presented to ICAS and ICAEW members as well as MBA University students, she has visited; UK, Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Holland, Spain, Prague, Poland, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Grenada, Australia (lived 3 years), Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Cambodia, New Zealand, Egypt, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Canada.

Program Summary

Together we will explore the full interview process and how to successfully secure that opportunity of your dreams.  

We will cover not only generic tips, but specific techniques for the international interview process including telephone and video interviewing.  Interviewing can be nerve-wracking enough, but sometimes the thought of doing it by phone or video conference can be even harder to get your mind around.   This Webinar will leave you feeling confident and capable of carrying out the very best interview you can and allow you to put your questions to an expert in the field.

NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

ABIGAIL'S AUSTRALASIA  TOUR - MARCH 2013

COUNTRY 1 – NEW ZEALAND – OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENT LIFESTYLE

Awesome New Zealand!   Thanks to typical Kiwi hospitality, my journey started in the modern harbor  City of Auckland.  Within an hour of landing I was boarding a boat to go across to Rangitoto Island  – an extinct volcano with a fantastic view of Auckland.  The boat journey itself was great, with a panoramic view of the city, in the sun.  However, running up then down the volcano was a lovely way to stretch the legs after a long flight.  After which we had a BBQ on the boat, before heading back into Auckland. 

                   View from Boat back at Auckland

The next day I was in a string of meetings with potential employers of accountants.   There are a number of varied really interesting opportunities across New Zealand.   The thing that stood out the most when speaking with employers was that they are very enthusiastic about how the companies they work for look after them.  Companies appear to concentrate on a work life balance, through to providing fruit for staff and a large number of social events.

Another consistent theme seems to be that all the businesses are based in lovely, modern buildings, with good views of the lovely city and its harbor.  I could imagine myself having lunch breaks on the harbour before returned for an afternoon’s work, leaving at a reasonable hour and then off to the gym.

I then headed down to Wellington.  The capital city, also with a lovely waterfront.  Home to the government, most work opportunities there will be either working for the government or providing a service to it.  

However, instead of being a ‘stuffy’ capital, the city has an air of cosmopolitan about it.  Excellent restaurants from Waterfront Sea food and wine bars to trendy funky Mexican to American breakfast diners. 

Wellington is a very hilly city.  It reminds me of Cape Town for the mountains that surround it and of Chicago because it is such a windy city.  However, you don’t have to run up the hills, as I did, you can even take a tram to the top to get the view’s.  

From Wellington I took a ferry across to Picton on the South Island .  Now I am sure you are getting the theme, but yes, I did take place in a run around Picton.  What better way to see all these great places.  Picton has the feel of a small sleepy town.  It is pretty and a great gateway to the wonders of this fun filled beautiful island.

   View from Ferry between North and South Island

The rest of my trip consisted of visiting more remote old fashioned hotels, to walking through forests to the lovely pretty town of Nelson, with its stunning long beaches.  Previous trips have included flying in small planes over the stunning Lord of the Rings type scenery, river surfing down the rapids in Roturua, climbing a volcano near Lake Tapo and watching crazy people bungy jumping against the most scenic backdrops.   There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country, I could go on forever!  

Why wouldn't you want to live and work there?

Things are looking up - Accountancy Worldwide Recruitment Forum is Back!

Think Global Recruitment have hosted Accountancy Worldwide International Recruitment Forum since its launch in 2004. The forum is designed to bring together accountants that are seeking international career progression and companies that require to enhance their team by recruiting internationally.


We are re-launching the forum that will be held in London in April 2013, after 4 years away, due to the global economic downturn. Being an international recruitment company specialising in the accountancy and finance sector we have seen an increase in recruitment needs from our clients and we received requests last year for the event to be brought back.


Accountancy Worldwide is a great platform that gives accountants the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals that are also looking to secure international work. In the past we have had accountants meeting at the conference and then moving together with the same company, making the daunting prospect of moving overseas less so.


We are hosting the event in London due to the high demand globally for CA, ACA, ACCA and CPA qualified accountants. London is regarded as the one of the World's financial powerhouses and we have been given exclusive access to host the event at the Chartered Accountants' Hall. Hosting the event in the financial district of London ensures it is easily accessible for accountants already living in London but also for people that are traveling from further afield with every type of public transport available straight to the door.


The event has been held in London, Sydney, Johannesburg and Dublin previously and we have helped many accountants with securing their dream jobs. Think Global Recruitment's vision is "To improve the lives of everyone we work with" and by running this forum we feel we are making the international recruitment process far easier for both accountants and the companies we work with aiding their recruitment needs. This type of forum streamlines the recruitment process and minimises telephone/Skype interviews, giving a unique opportunity to bring these two parties together.

Visit www.accountancyworldwide.com for further information and testimonials.

To Makeover or Not Makeover?

Happy Monday all. I know many do not like Monday's because that means a whole work week in front of them. However, if that is the case I challenge them to consider changing jobs.... Radical? Well you are in work more of your waking hours than anywhere else and if you do not enjoy those hours then you should vote with your feet. Stop! Do not rush out there and hand your notice in though. Wait will you have something else to go to. It is important not to have gaps in employment dates on your cv (resume). Believe me the amount of accountants we have seen get rejected for gaps on cvs is extremely high.

There are heaps more jobs on the market now then over the last 18 months, so if you are considering a move and felt there was nothing to go to before, take a look now. If you are an accountant our web site has some very interesting and varied roles. We specialise in moving accountants around the globe. Why not consider an overseas move? After the tough times we have had in the UK over the last couple of years, maybe its time for a clean slate... or a Make Over?

Who else will be considering a make over? Well the top CA firms seem to have been giving it a go, recently PricewaterhouseCoopers have made the much anticipated change to pwc. Causing a little confusion as to if they are now 'pwc' or 'PwC'. Their logo seems to indicate 'pwc', but the media article on their sight indicates PwC, then why change their PwC logo other than to take off 'PricewaterhouseCoopers'? BDO also seem to be dropping off the various other names they have historically had to simply be BDO. This seems a good move to me. Rumour has it Ernst & Young will be next for the make over.

The question is, why spend such a large budget on a change, just as everyone is tight for money and coming out of a recession? Maybe that is just it. The firms have made a lot of change, redundancies, cut backs etc to survive this period and maybe feel they need a fresh image to forget the past.

Any comments on why companies change their brand? The pro's and the con's of doing so? ....