Defense technology executives appeared pleased that Congress enacted into law the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023. But labor, parts and inflation continue to challenge their companies' ability to improve operating margins, they said during spring 2023 earnings calls. Multiple themes emerged ... READ MORE >
Business and professional services
Key highlights of the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act
President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 23, 2022, approving approximately $858 billion in funding for the Department of Defense and national security programs under the Department of Energy. The NDAA also includes $12.6 billion for inflation’s impact on purchases and ... READ MORE >
Government services businesses look to the future
The future is the focus for government services executives. With geopolitical tensions high and an elevated FY 2023 defense budget forthcoming, executives signaled innovation will be the key to establishing security on the global stage and exercising supremacy over near peer threats. Industry ... READ MORE >
Outer space: an endless frontier of opportunities for federal contractors
While inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty continued, interest in space demand drew attention from notable investors, international governments and key players in the federal contractor market in Q3. Space and intelligence players navigated their short- and long-term objectives to successfully execute ... READ MORE >
Staffing firms see strong demand as hiring remains steady
Three recent studies indicate that hiring remains a priority for companies throughout the economy, an auspicious sign for staffing firms facing economic headwinds. Staffing firms continue to hire—for now Staffing jobs for the week ending Sep. 25 increased 6.6% compared to the same period last year, ... READ MORE >
Law firms are feeling pressure despite steady growth in demand and rates
Law firms are holding on tight to the roller coaster that is 2022. In November 2021, RSM explained that law firms were not guaranteed another profitable year despite strong demand and rate increases. Fast forward to May, when the Thomson Reuters Law Firm Financial Index (LFFI) for the first quarter of ... READ MORE >
Law firms navigating uncertainties can look to historically reliable indicators
Law firm executives contending with fresh economic uncertainties can look to some reliable indicators to gauge how recent unforeseen shocks could affect their firms in 2022. Historically, real GDP and levels of activity involving initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions have correlated to ... READ MORE >
Environmental and facilities services see a sunrise powered by legislation, automation: Spring 2022 outlook
- For environmental services firms, opportunities abound from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. - Environmental services firms and waste management companies are investing in technologies that can either replace talent they’ve lost or enhance the productivity of talent they’ve retained. - Data ... READ MORE >
Law firms implementing new battle plan in war for talent: Spring 2022 outlook
- Law firms are recognizing that salary increases are not sustainable because of lasting impacts on profit margins, and they’re updating their workforce strategies accordingly. - As lawyer billing rates increase, clients will value productivity and efficiency from their law firms more than ever. - ... READ MORE >
Business and professional services industry outlook: Spring 2022
Technology is beckoning business and professional services firms that are feeling squeezed by ongoing labor challenges. Whether higher salaries are cutting into profitability or job vacancies are outnumbering qualified applicants, digital solutions—specifically those that automate nonbillable or tedious ... READ MORE >