Event Information | Tax and talent: Managing costs and securing skills

Explore the latest ICAEW Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) findings for Q4 and their implications for the East of England. This focused virtual event, a roundtable discussion, addresses the region's most critical challenge: managing financial and human capital costs. Tailored for ICAEW members in business and practice, this insightful session brings together local professionals to review and interpret the BCM results. We will focus with a sharp lens on how businesses are navigating the dual pressures of tax and regulatory burdens and a competitive labour market. This is your opportunity to gain the strategic insights needed to secure key talent, manage costs, and succeed in 2026.

The sessions are designed to give attendees a clear, deep understanding of the current sentiment and strategic needs of businesses operating in the East of England, helping them discover practical strategies for navigating these challenges.

Discussion points:

• Navigating the regional tax and regulatory landscape

• Addressing talent retention and skills shortages

• Managing costs while maintaining profitability

• Strategic workforce planning for 2026

BCM analysis | The cost of doing business

We will closely examine the BCM report findings through the lens of tax and talent, reflecting how East of England businesses are managing a growing tax and regulatory burden alongside acute labour market challenges.

• Tax and regulatory burden | A detailed analysis of how increasing tax complexity and regulatory costs are affecting investment intentions and business confidence across the region.

• Labour market challenges | Expert perspectives on the region's specific skills gaps, recruitment difficulties, and the rising cost of securing and retaining human capital.

• Financial and human capital strategy | Practical guidance on how businesses can manage and strategically navigate these two critical areas of financial and human capital cost to maintain profitability and competitiveness.

• Sector-specific insights | Focused discussion on the unique challenges and opportunities defining the economic environment for the four key sectors.

What you will gain:

• Strategic edge on costs | Refine your approach to managing tax liabilities and implementing effective talent acquisition and retention strategies.

• First-hand knowledge | Gain a clear, comprehensive overview of the current state of business confidence, directly linked to cost management in the East of England.

• Expert perspectives | Hear from industry leaders who will provide valuable context on local business dynamics and national economic trends affecting cost and skill security.

• Networking | Connect with peers and industry leaders to discuss findings and share best practices on navigating the 2026 economic landscape.