At a time when businesses were preparing for the Autumn Budget and navigating ongoing economic uncertainty, the demand for financial advice, tax planning and compliance support increased significantly. This surge in activity meant accountants played a decisive role in maintaining business confidence and supporting economic activity during a challenging period.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy grew by 0.3% in November 2025, outperforming expectations and rebounding after a small contraction in October. This growth was driven by the services sector, where professional activities, such as accounting, auditing and tax consultancy, made a notable contribution.
Reflecting on the data, Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock, commented: “It is encouraging to see the ONS recognise the role of professional services – including accountants – in supporting recent economic growth.
“The Autumn Budget created a period of uncertainty, and it is encouraging to hear that accountants provided guidance on tax changes and compliance, strategic advice for year-end planning, cashflow and forecasting support, assistance navigating HMRC requirements and reassurance during an uncertain policy environment.”
As forecasts suggest improved growth early into 2026, with the Bank of England expected to continue easing interest rates, conditions may begin to stabilise. However, the data also reveals an uneven picture across sectors, with construction continuing to struggle and manufacturing still recovering from earlier disruptions. In such an environment, strong financial planning remains crucial for both resilience and growth.
Sean added: “At Burgis & Bullock, we help businesses and individuals understand their numbers, plan effectively and make confident decisions. That activity flows directly into the wider economy. We see every day how good financial advice helps businesses stay resilient, invest wisely, and keep moving forward.
“For SMEs, investing in professional advice can make all the difference when navigating tax changes, managing cashflow in a volatile environment, planning for growth, or preparing for future compliance changes such as MTD. We are continuing to host free monthly MTD briefings, available online or in‑house, with places bookable through the firm’s website: https://www.burgisbullock.com/events/
Burgis & Bullock continues to support businesses across the region with practical, proactive financial advice. Whether you are preparing for year-end, strengthening your financial controls, or seeking clarity on tax changes following the Budget, our team is here to help.
For advice and guidance, contact your local Burgis & Bullock office www.burgisbullock.com/contact-us/
Sean Farnell, Partner at Burgis & Bullock
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