Over the past three weeks, the partners at Bailey Montagu have spoken with more than 120 senior clients across general manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction and energy. The question was simple: has the newly confirmed Budget date of 26 November 2025 changed your senior hiring plans?
The answers paint a clear picture of caution mixed with pragmatism. 62% said they were now more likely to bring in interim leaders to support live projects. Another 22% plan to extend their current interim contracts until after the budget review, and 14% have already built interim project teams to handle supply chain disruption.
Permanent hiring hasn’t stopped, but it has slowed down. 32% of respondents said they were holding back new senior appointments until after the budget, while 12% had paused existing searches altogether. Many are opting for short-term leadership instead, keeping delivery on track while the policy landscape settles.
This approach is about cost control as well as flexibility. Of those who’ve used interim talent, 72% said it saved them money compared with a permanent hire. 27% credited recent market volatility as the main driver behind choosing interim support, and 18% had gone this route at least once in the last six months.
So far in 2025, Bailey Montagu has seen a 60% rise in client enquiries from businesses that had never before considered hiring interim professionals. Since July 2024, the number of interim placements has quadrupled. It’s a surge fuelled by uncertainty, restructuring, and the need for rapid problem-solving.
Clients often express surprise at the strength of available talent. Senior interims today bring deep sector experience, proven delivery records, and the vital ability to adapt fast. Many clients describe the process as refreshing as they are able to get hands-on leadership without the long-term costs or delay that often come with full searches.
The appeal of interim solutions grows stronger when the market is unsettled. Whether it’s navigating regulatory shifts, stabilising operations or managing transformation projects, interim leaders offer a ‘turn on, turn off’ resource. They are easy to start, and easy to scale down. There are no up-front fees, no exit fees, and minimal downtime.
For companies watching every line of their balance sheet ahead of the budget, this model provides clarity and control. It gives them access to immediate expertise without committing to permanent costs. Interim professionals bring not only skill but also perspective, and they will often identify issues that established teams overlook.
Interim management is no longer just a holding pattern between hires. For many organisations, it has become a strategic tool, and one that allows decisive action while keeping the risk minimal. Bailey Montagu’s latest insights show how leaders are adapting, choosing agility over inertia and targeted expertise over long-term uncertainty.
As November draws near, the message from the market is clear. Business isn’t standing still for the budget, but the way it gets done and the people delivering it are evolving.
To learn more about how interim executives can help your organisation stay agile through uncertainty, read Bailey Montagu’s insight on the value of interim talent or contact Phill Machell, at Phill.Machell@baileymontagu.com.