BLT's Indirect Tax Team have been bonkers busy this Spring/Summer – and we're delighted to report that this year we've got to August before we've noticed any sign of the usual annual summer slowdown – which for the last ten years has typically started in May!
A quick UK market update: ‘Good in parts’ is the best description of 2025’s Indirect Tax recruitment market – we’ve had a large number of very happy in-house clients this last year for instance, and have delivered the goods on numerous exclusive assignments, ranging from very senior to less experienced briefs. We’ve also fixed several of the roles where other avenues have failed – we’re just as happy to be summoned as the cavalry if you’re struggling to fill a role. Interestingly, we spotted today that c. 60% of the BLT hires into in-house Indirect Tax roles this year happen to have been with individuals not on LinkedIn! A timely reminder for those unenlightened as to the benefits of relationship led recruitment – the best candidate won’t always be found from a mere list of names on a social networking site (which is what you get from direct sourcing or using the wrong recruiter…)
The usual demand/supply disconnect has been the case in the professional services world – the thirst for UK trained VAT Advisory Senior Managers and Managers remains high, with reduced options at the other grades, or for those with more compliance orientated career histories. That said, we’ve been busy filling roles this year from Partner grade right down to Analyst grade, in both VAT and Global Trade - here at BLT Emma and I work with all the major professional services firms as well as the boutique ones you won’t have come across before. This isn’t the case for all recruiters out there - we’ve always been pretty unique in having the birdseye view of the whole Indirect Tax shebang! Our professional services firm bread and butter is about helping Indirect Tax specialists work out whether or not they’re in the right home and environment for what they want to achieve – and quite often involves us telling you to stay put! Or making the right introductions if we agree to explore a few tailored alternatives. If you’re up for that kind of chat, just drop us a note.
September’s only a month away now and usually brings a fresh selection of jobs and candidates looking for their next match. It’s a great time for employers and VAT and Global Trade specialists to get in touch to talk about your plans for the new term and beyond.
Email vat@blt.co.uk or customs@blt.co.uk
- by Guy Barrand