How mid-tier firms can compete, scale sustainably and unlock global opportunities in a rapidly evolving professional services landscape.
Last week UHY International member firms were invited to join a CEO Roundtable, led by UHY International CEO, Rhys Madoc, brought together UHY International leaders from across the globe to discuss performance, strategic priorities and the future direction of the accounting network. The session provided valuable insights into how firms can navigate a competitive global environment, embrace emerging technologies and strengthen collaboration across borders.
Here are some insights and key takeaways from Rhys Madoc’s roundtable session.
Navigating a competitive global market
Operating in today’s professional services landscape requires agility, clarity and a strong global proposition. Competition continues to intensify across all tiers of the market, driven by ongoing mergers and acquisitions, new entrants and evolving business models, private equity investment in professional services and rapid advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence.
For mid-tier firms, success increasingly depends on differentiation and collaboration, leveraging both local expertise and global reach. UHY’s strength lies in its ability to combine these two elements, enabling member firms to deliver high quality, cross-border services while remaining agile and client focused.
The Growing impact of AI and technology
Artificial intelligence and digital innovation are reshaping how firms operate. Technology is improving efficiency, reducing delivery times and creating capacity for new service lines. This shift enables firms to move beyond compliance-based work and develop higher value advisory services.
AI is also a strategic opportunity. Firms that invest early in understanding and applying new technologies are better positioned to enhance client experience, streamline internal processes, unlock new revenue streams and deliver more insight driven services.
Expanding services lines to meet client needs
Firms are evolving their services in line with changing client expectations. Many are investing in risk and compliance, corporate finance and advisory, ESG and sustainability, global mobility and cross-border tax and specialist sector expertise.
Clients increasingly expect holistic, multi-disciplinary support rather than siloed services. Expanding service capabilities enables firms to become trusted, long term advisors.
Strengthening global collaboration
Collaboration remains central to UHY’s strategy. Working together across jurisdictions enables firms to deliver seamless client solutions.
This is supported by clear and responsive communication, strong relationships between partners and teams, shared access to expertise and coordinated approaches to international client work. By combining local insight with international expertise, UHY firms deliver consistent and high quality outcomes.
Competing with larger networks
Mid-tier networks can compete effectively by focusing on accessibility, responsiveness, flexibility and personalised service. Clients value direct access to senior professionals and firms that can adapt quickly to their needs. A unified global brand identity also strengthens market positioning and builds trust with clients.
Enabling sustainable growth
Sustainable growth focuses on long-term value. High performing accounting firms invest in people, talent development, strategic hiring and innovation in service delivery.
Anticipating future market needs is essential. Firms that evolve their services, embrace innovation and engage actively within the network are best positioned for continued success.
Unlocking the power of the UHY global accounting network
The UHY network enables cross-border collaboration, access to global expertise, knowledge sharing and enhanced brand visibility.
Active engagement helps firms strengthen capabilities, expand reach and create new business opportunities.
Looking ahead: A unified, future focused network
UHY is focused on strengthening its global presence, expanding service capabilities, embracing innovation and supporting member firms in achieving sustainable growth.
The success of the network depends on firms working together, sharing expertise and delivering consistent value to clients worldwide.
Key takeaways
- Mid-tier accounting networks and firms can compete successfully through agility, collaboration and client focused service
- AI and technology are creating new opportunities that accounting firms need to take advantage of - or they risk being less competitive
- Expanding service lines is essential to meet client demands - innovation is key to business resilience in today's economic climate
- Strong collaboration enables seamless cross-border support which is a strong benefit to clients who have global growth ambitions
- Sustainable growth requires investment, innovation and long term strategy - UHY's one firm brand approach is also key to future network progression
