This year’s FCSA Forum was more than just our biggest gathering yet, it was a clear signal of a sector coming together with renewed purpose. With over 200 delegates joining us at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, the 2025 Forum brought energy, insight and meaningful collaboration to a room filled with accredited members, recruitment professionals, industry partners, and Government representatives.
The day was built around shared challenges and shared ambitions. From Lord Holmes’s compelling address on workplace inclusion and fair regulation to Colin MacLachlan’s powerful keynote on leadership under pressure, the tone was one of confidence and collective intent. Discussions throughout the day reaffirmed the critical role of ethical, compliant practice in building a flexible but secure labour market.
With the Employment Rights Bill and the Fair Work Agency on the horizon, the Forum offered a timely platform for delegates to connect directly with policy influencers, including officials from HMRC and other Government departments. Attendees also heard from leading voices across the supply chain — recruiters, compliance experts, end-clients, and trade bodies — all reflecting on what good looks like and how we get there.
There was a real sense of unity this year. Whether discussing umbrella reform, evolving compliance expectations, or the practical realities of worker engagement, the event created space for candid, forward-facing conversation. And that collaborative spirit was shared by our sponsors, who helped make the day possible: Kintec, MDA, Brabners, Smart Pension, JMW Solicitors, Trust ID, IMS Decimal, Credas, FreeAgent, Finity, JA, CMR, CV & Interview Advisors, ii, Caunce O’Hara Insurance Brokers (COHIBL), Marsh, and Rpost.
As Chris Bryce, FCSA’s Chief Executive, put it: “This year’s Forum was our biggest yet, and the energy in the room reflected a sector ready to lead with integrity and collaboration.”
We’re grateful to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped shape the conversation. The future of our industry isn’t just something we respond to, it’s something we build together.
