The UK jobs market in 2025 is sending mixed messages. On one hand, businesses are still chasing ambitious growth targets. On the other, hiring confidence has dipped to its lowest levels since 2009. With higher interest rates, rising employer National Insurance contributions, and increased scrutiny from finance teams, the cost of adding permanent headcount has never been higher.
For Sales Directors and Commercial leaders, this creates a dilemma: the board still expects revenue, but the traditional lever of building out a sales team feels riskier and more expensive than ever.
So how do you continue driving growth when permanent hiring slows down? More businesses are finding the answer in outsourced sales.
The Hidden Cost of Permanent Sales Hires
On paper, a new salesperson might look like a straightforward investment: salary, commission, tools. But the reality is very different.
CIPD’s Labour Market Outlook shows hiring confidence at its weakest since 2009, with redundancy plans at a ten-year high.
Employer costs are rising: NI contributions increased from 13.8% to 15% this year, inflating the true cost of every hire.
Interest rates remain stubbornly high: the Bank of England’s base rate sits above 4%, making CFOs wary of fixed-cost commitments.
Recruitment and ramp-up take time: months can pass before a new hire is delivering meaningful revenue.
“Permanent headcount isn’t just expensive – it’s slow. And in today’s economy, slow growth is high risk.”
Why Outsourced Sales Is Winning Support
Revenue targets don’t pause just because hiring gets tougher. Boards still demand pipeline, meetings, and opportunities – and that’s where outsourced sales comes in.
REC/KPMG’s June 2025 Report on Jobs recorded the steepest fall in permanent placements for nearly two years; while demand for temporary roles remained far more resilient.
An outsourced model gives you:
Variable cost instead of fixed overheads – easier to flex up or down with your budget.
Immediate access to experienced sales professionals – no lengthy recruitment cycles.
Proven processes, technology and data – already tested and optimised to deliver results.
Clear ROI – measurable outcomes you can take straight to your CFO.
A CFO-Proof Approach to Sales Growth
Sales and Commercial Directors need solutions that satisfy both growth ambitions and finance scrutiny. Outsourced sales offers exactly that: a lean, flexible model that reduces headcount risk while still delivering results.
With UK redundancy intentions at a ten-year high (CIPD, 2025), finance leaders are prioritising variable-cost levers over permanent expansion.
“The strongest sales strategies in 2025 are the ones that keep the board confident and the balance sheet under control.”
The Air Marketing Approach
At Air, we partner with B2B businesses who need to strengthen sales performance without the burden of permanent headcount. Whether you need extra capacity to support your team, or a fully outsourced engine to drive pipeline, we deliver measurable results that prove value fast.
We build pipeline. You see meetings, opportunities and revenue.