The numbers don’t lie – admin and business support are having a moment. With professional and administrative services predicted to grow at an above-average rate in 2025, and administrative services leading the charge with 1.8% growth, we’re looking at approximately 55,800 new jobs hitting the UK market.

This isn’t just about filling seats. Business confidence has surged to +16.7% in Q2 2024 – the highest we’ve seen since Q1 2022. Companies are investing in growth, not just survival, and that means investing in the people who keep everything running smoothly.

Here’s what’s got us excited: wages have grown by 5.1%, outpacing inflation and creating real wage growth that’s expected to continue into 2025. For admin and business support professionals, this translates to more competitive packages and genuine career progression opportunities.

The UK’s position as the world’s second-largest exporter of professional business services (behind only the US) has created new demands for administrative excellence. With business services contributing around 80% of the UK’s GDP, the support functions that underpin this success are more valuable than ever.

Modern admin professionals aren’t just managing diaries and filing – they’re becoming strategic partners in business growth, leveraging technology and contributing to key decisions. With new government initiatives focusing on skills development and workplace quality, there’s never been a better time to level up your career or strengthen your team.

Building Tomorrow’s Business Support Teams

The traditional admin role is evolving fast, and smart employers are getting ahead of the curve. Recent market analysis shows professional, scientific and technical activities are projected to grow 1.1% in 2025 – but success means understanding what this evolution looks like on the ground.

The Strategic Shift

We’re witnessing admin roles become genuinely strategic. Business services now drive 80% of UK GDP, requiring sophisticated support functions that go far beyond traditional administrative tasks. Employment grew by around 0.7% in the year to March 2025 (adding approximately 305,000 jobs), with growth expected to ease to around 0.6% over the remainder of the year.

Skills Revolution

The new Growth and Skills Levy is a game-changer, allowing firms to use up to 50% of their levy contributions for training beyond apprenticeships. This opens exciting possibilities for developing admin and business support talent in ways that actually work for both employers and professionals.

What Forward-Thinking Employers Are Doing:

· Embracing Digital Proficiency: 87% of admin roles now require digital skills as standard, not nice-to-have

· Investing in Flexibility: Hybrid models aren’t just about location – they’re about creating roles that adapt to business needs

· Developing Strategic Partnerships: The best admin professionals are becoming business partners who analyse data and drive decisions

· Creating Competitive Packages: With real wage growth creating a competitive market, comprehensive benefits and development opportunities are essential

The Bottom Line: With 61% of organisations citing skills shortages as their biggest hiring challenge, the businesses that invest in developing and retaining talented admin professionals will have a significant advantage.