Birmingham’s Finance Market: Why Opportunity is Growing Here

I’ve been working in recruitment for over 20 years, and I can honestly say Birmingham has never felt more exciting than it does today. The city isn’t just quietly ticking along, it’s buzzing. Walk through Colmore Row at lunchtime and you’ll see it: the coffee queues, the busy meeting rooms, the mix of accents. There’s a hum of activity that tells you something’s happening here.

A city on the rise

Birmingham has always had location on its side, right in the middle of the country and brilliantly connected. But right now, it’s not just geography doing the heavy lifting. Global names like HSBC and Deutsche Bank have anchored themselves here, and when big players make moves others follow. The ripple effects are real.

And let’s be honest, this is a city that knows resilience. From its industrial heritage to the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham has a knack for reinventing itself. I love that about it. The region has seen a real shift from an industrial hub to a growing number of tech start-ups, services and financial services businesses choosing to make this their home.

What we see every day

One of the privileges of working in recruitment is the access we have to what’s really happening behind the headlines. Every day, our consultants are talking to candidates about their motivations and to hiring managers about their challenges. It’s in those conversations that you see the trends emerge before they make the papers.

We’re hearing about counteroffers becoming more common. We’re seeing businesses willing to move faster to secure the right person. And we’re noticing more finance professionals testing the water for roles that offer a better balance between flexibility, progression and culture. That kind of insight is hard to capture in a report, but it paints the clearest picture of the market.

What skills are in demand?

If you’re working in finance, certain roles and skills keep cropping up again and again:

• FP&A because businesses want clarity and commercial foresight.
• Data – data governance, AI business analysis and Power BI skill sets are key as businesses get ready for AI.
• Risk and compliance because the world is complex and getting more so.
• Accountants and finance leaders because no matter how the market shifts, the fundamentals still matter.

And here’s the twist: fintech. Suddenly, it’s not just about balance sheets and audits. It’s about digital fluency, data and bridging the gap between finance and tech. That blend is where the magic is happening, and the crossover between finance and tech has never been more prevalent or more important.

Beyond the numbers

Here’s what excites me. Finance in Birmingham doesn’t feel grey and corporate anymore. It feels human. Hybrid working has opened doors for a more diverse mix of people. Conversations about wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability are no longer just “nice to haves” – they’re shaping careers.

And if you think finance is all spreadsheets, think again. I was at a networking event recently where a CFO spoke more passionately about their ESG commitments than their P&L. Ten years ago, that would have been unthinkable.

Looking ahead

So, where’s it all going? My sense is that Birmingham will continue to grow its fintech reputation while doubling down on its strength in traditional finance roles. Employers will need to get sharper in how they attract talent. Competitive salaries alone won’t cut it anymore. People want growth, flexibility and a sense of purpose.

And candidates? Keep learning, keep adapting. The best finance careers are built on curiosity and confidence.

I love Birmingham because it has that underdog spirit. People underestimate it until they see it up close. But those of us who’ve been here a while know better. It’s a city with grit, character, and right now, a finance market full of opportunity