Deloitte · 14 Oct, 06:41 · Business briefing

Deloitte CFO Survey Q3: Economic and political uncertainty seen as the greatest constraint on UK competitiveness

Deloitte’s latest CFO survey reveals that economic and political instability remain the primary obstacles to UK competitiveness.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Deloitte’s latest CFO survey reveals that economic and political instability remain the primary obstacles to UK competitiveness. Chief financial officers across the sector identify these macro-level uncertainties as the most significant constraints on business performance. The findings highlight a pervasive sense of caution among senior finance leaders regarding investment and growth strategies. This report underscores the ongoing challenges faced by UK businesses in maintaining stability amidst volatile global conditions. Professionals should note the emphasis on financial resilience and strategic planning as critical responses to these prevailing external pressures.

Employer demand for Risk Management Strategies skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must adapt your career strategy to prioritise resilience and strategic foresight. As uncertainty dominates, employers value professionals who can navigate complex financial landscapes and mitigate risk. Focus on developing expertise in financial modelling and risk assessment to remain relevant. Consider upskilling in compliance and governance, as regulatory scrutiny intensifies during turbulent periods. You should also enhance your ability to interpret macroeconomic data for informed decision-making. Proactively seek roles that require strategic planning under pressure. Demonstrating competence in stabilising operations will distinguish you from peers. Prepare for conversations about cost efficiency and long-term sustainability. Your next step is to audit your current skill set against these demands and pursue targeted training in financial analysis or risk management to secure your position.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Risk Management Strategies, Financial Modeling, Compliance And Governance and Crisis Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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