The event heard from key leaders within Azets’ regional team and covered everything from the current economic outlook to the mergers and acquisitions market, as well as personal and corporate tax planning and wealth management.
Paul Fenner, who recently joined Azets as a partner in the audit and advisory team, told the audience that businesses had become accustomed to uncertainty and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine four years ago had provided a ‘dress rehearsal’ for the current circumstances facing firms regarding significant energy price increases and inflation.
“Uncertainty has become an overused word but it’s hard not to use it in the current climate,” he told the gathered businesses. “At the Spring Statement, the Chancellor told us that inflation was falling towards target and that interest rates were likely to come down but then conflict in the Middle East escalated.
“Since then, we’ve seen oil and gas prices rise and it means that inflation target of two per cent will almost certainly be missed and I would, therefore, be surprised to see the Bank of England dropping interest rates any time soon.
“We’re already seeing an impact at the forecourts with petrol and diesel prices rising quickly and it’s a similar picture to what we saw four years ago.
“Oil moved well above $100 a barrel and there is significant supply chain disruption.
“It could mean that businesses want to rush into something that might not be right for them and, while times are uncertain, I will still urge them to plan rather than make rash decisions.
“We cannot change the geopolitical instability but we can plan within our own businesses. We can look to customise, personalise and diversify; to take advantage of advanced technologies such as AI; and look at greater collaboration to share knowledge and research.
“Come and speak to our team at Azets and work with organisations such as the Chamber as we can support you to be as well prepared as possible.”
Gary Hyem, corporate finance partner at Azets, said the mergers and acquisitions market had held up well in recent years despite global uncertainty.
He said deals are being done but there is greater caution in the market, leading to delays.
Gary said: “There were fewer deals in 2025 but that was largely due to a surge of activity in 2024 due to the change of Government and the uncertainty that brought to the market.
“The market is still operating and is still open for business but it might take a bit more time.
“So, if you are looking to sell or bring in investment, it’s so important to get everything in place. That takes a lot of time and a lot of planning but it is beneficial in the long run.
“I’d urge businesses to get everything in place that a potential buyer or investor would want to see – from corporate governance through to management succession – so that it can make the process as smooth as possible when the time is right.”
Trevor Shaw, tax partner at Azets, and Alex Bolton, Azets’ chartered wealth planner, offered guidance around financial planning at a corporate and personal level focusing on maximizing the money left in your pocket.
Gurprit Singh, business engagement manager at Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “It was great to see so many businesses in the room really engaged with such important information and market intelligence.
“These are very uncertain times and that is why it’s so important for businesses to be able to tap into the expertise available.”
