Soundbites: March/April 2025

Following President Trump’s election, what changes are you making when dealing with US-based clients or your US offices?
Dave Bowers

Group chief growth officer, Auxo Talent
“At Auxo Talent, our technology division has already established a strong presence in the US, and we are now planning to open a dedicated office to further capitalise on opportunities in the sector. Additionally, our engineering & construction divisions are preparing to enter the US market, recognising that President Trump’s administration is likely to drive investment in infrastructure, manufacturing and technological innovation. Alongside this, we will also be exploring opportunities for our healthcare and education brands, as changes in policy and funding could create new demand for skilled professionals in these sectors. With potential policy shifts favouring domestic industry growth, we see significant opportunities to support businesses in securing top talent to meet increasing demand.”
Jonas Helgesson

CEO, Erevena
“We see the tech industry as inherently global and highly interconnected, with the US playing a pivotal role. We are optimistic that improving economic conditions could help the US tech sector recover from recent challenges. However, we remain mindful of how policy changes around immigration, regulation and trade could impact companies reliant on global talent and international partnerships. Our focus is on staying agile and proactive, helping clients navigate these shifts and secure the talent they need to thrive in this dynamic and evolving market.”
Ben Wallin

Co-founder, Edison Smart
“I think this is a very liquid situation. Given President Trump’s volatile nature, it’s difficult to predict the actions he might take. A large portion of our business stems from the US, so we’re analysing the situation regularly and keeping in contact with several trusted industry experts around immigration, visas and tax implications. Then there’s the tariff topic! Fortunately, we’re a relatively young company so we remain lean and agile, meaning we can make decisions very quickly. For now, we’ll continue to assess, grow responsibly – and follow strategy.”
CFOs stay the sustainability course
Global consultancy Kearney’s new report, ‘Staying the Course: Chief Financial Officers and the Green Transition’, reveals that 69% of CFOs expect higher returns on sustainability initiatives compared to traditional investments.
Regardless of geopolitical uncertainty and increased financial pressure, the data highlights CFOs’ confidence in the long-term value and profitability of sustainable investments. Adding to this optimism, 92% expect their organisations to significantly increase net investment in sustainability this year.
The research, conducted by Kearney and climate action media platform We Don’t Have Time, surveyed 500 CFOs across the UK, the US, the UAE and India, to understand how CFOs are embedding sustainability within their strategies.
The research highlights that CFOs are focusing on sustainability investments that offer clear, short-term benefits in reducing emissions. The top three investment areas that ranked highest include:
- Increasing the use of sustainable materials
- Driving sustainable innovation and partnerships
- Enhancing energy management and waste reduction.
- The Kearney report is available here: https://bit.ly/411n7ia
Image credit | Shutterstock | Auxo-talent | Erevena | Edison-smart
