NEWS

How is your organisation navigating the evolving recruitment landscape in 2026? Many say its getting harder to find good people, and you may find it helpful to know that you aren't alone. Based on a recent YouGov survey, here are the key challenges UK employers are facing this year: - Skills Shortages: Nearly 38% of HR leaders are finding it tough to source qualified candidates. The demand for specific skill sets has never been higher. - Rising Pay Expectations: Approximately 30% of decision-makers are dealing with candidates' increasing demands for better pay and benefits. - Lengthy Hiring Times: High volumes of applicants and protracted hiring processes have led to significant operational strain, with many roles left unfilled for months. - Remote Work Preferences: Candidates are often withdrawing from the process if remote working options are not offered. - Identity Fraud Risks: About one in four organisations have encountered instances of identity fraud, underscoring the need for stringent background checks and verification processes. 

Innovate UK has officially shifted its strategy. With £4.8bn earmarked for deployment over the next four years, the agency is moving away from "volume-based" grants toward a more focused, venture-style investment model. For founders, CEOs, and researchers, this isn't just a change in paperwork—it’s a structural shift in how your business must be positioned to secure support. 

Bringing a wealth of experience in construction and project management, this candidate has built a noteworthy career through dedication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to tackling challenges. Their career spans several key roles within the construction and refurbishment sectors, underscoring a robust understanding of both practical and managerial aspects of building projects. Their ability to thrive under pressure and commitment to fostering an environment of excellence make them a standout choice for the current vacancy. In their current role as a Contracts and Repairs Manager, they demonstrate exceptional capability in managing repair phases of subsidence claims, consistently ensuring efficient settlements. This includes comprehensive management of contractor performance, stakeholder relationships, and stringent planning and regulatory adherence, all while maintaining a focus on cost control and customer satisfaction. During their tenure as a Contracts Manager, they showcased a talent for handling multiple projects simultaneously, ranging from small to large-scale contracts. Their responsibilities included overseeing contract tendering, client liaison, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Their experience in managing insurance-related works and refurbishment projects provides a strong foundation for strategic decision-making and operations efficiency. The candidate's freelance period further enriched their skill set through diverse project management in residential, commercial, and new-build projects. They effectively coordinated various maintenance and refurbishment endeavours for high-profile clients, exhibiting a breadth of technical knowledge across multiple disciplines. This comprehensive expertise is reinforced by formal qualifications in electrical installations, demonstrating their in-depth understanding of both the technical and operational facets of construction projects.

Qualified By Experience Accountant looking for their next opportunity Hard-working and experienced QBE Accountant with 20 years practice experience (over 12 years running their own business which was successfully sold to a large local practice). Having previously had almost 100 clients in a variety of industries including agricultural, facilities management, restaurants, cleaning companies, motor industry, consultants, hairdressers and property investors. Positioned Company in the top 10 Marketplace Growth Voucher Scheme providers in the U.K., out of 350 nationwide approved Suppliers of the Service.

This candidate is a highly motivated and versatile professional with significant experience across a business. They possess strong communication and negotiation skills, complemented by a proactive approach to work, which has seen them excel in building and maintaining client relationships, leading teams, and managing operations. Currently, the candidate serves as an Office and HR Manager, where they efficiently manage account tasks, office operations, HR processes, and financial responsibilities. Their ability to perform diverse roles indicates a flexible and adaptable nature, making them well-suited for dynamic work environments. Earlier in their career, the candidate managed their own business, highlighting entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Their background in hospitality management provided a foundation in operations and quality control, further underpinning their well-rounded experience in business management and client engagement sectors.

This candidate is a highly motivated and versatile professional with significant experience across a business. They possess strong communication and negotiation skills, complemented by a proactive approach to work, which has seen them excel in building and maintaining client relationships, leading teams, and managing operations. Currently, the candidate serves as an Office and HR Manager, where they efficiently manage account tasks, office operations, HR processes, and financial responsibilities. Their ability to perform diverse roles indicates a flexible and adaptable nature, making them well-suited for dynamic work environments. Earlier in their career, the candidate managed their own business, highlighting entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. Their background in hospitality management provided a foundation in operations and quality control, further underpinning their well-rounded experience in business management and client engagement sectors.

An accomplished accountant with over thirteen years of experience, this Audit Manager has an extensive background in both audit and finance management, having worked with leading global firms. Initially launching their career through a school leaver programme at Grant Thornton, they later joined KPMG where they gained valuable exposure in audit management and business development within the insurance sector. Progressing to a managerial role at Crowe, they quickly advanced to Senior Manager, showcasing strong leadership skills and expertise in managing client portfolios across various industries.  Currently operating as a contractor, the candidate has diversified into consultancy roles, reflecting a strategic shift to gain broader industry exposure. Their tenure as a Finance Consultant saw them overseeing financial operations across multiple regions, contributing to the financial planning and strategic analysis for international entities. Their experience in leading audit engagements and developing financial processes illustrates their adeptness in ensuring compliance with international standards such as IFRS and US GAAP, and their initiative in identifying business opportunities underlines their strategic mindset.

This candidate brings a wealth of experience in marketing and senior leadership from both the not-for-profit and private sectors, showcasing a dedicated focus on customer-centric strategies and team empowerment. Their career is anchored by significant achievements in enhancing marketing communications and public relations, evidenced by remarkable growth in media and social media engagement, strategic bidding support, and the mobilisation of EDI initiatives. In recent roles, the candidate has successfully boosted press reach and achieved substantial engagement growth through strategic marketing strategies. Their leadership extends to deputising for top positions and driving organisational initiatives such as impact monitoring and project excellence, indicating their versatility and capacity for handling diverse responsibilities. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is further highlighted in their time as an Independent Advisor and Director for a sports-centric Community Interest Corporation, where their strategic input led to securing crucial funding and establishing media relationships. Previous experience includes significant contributions to race equality initiatives in sport, resulting in enhanced public reach, increased funding, and strategic press connections. Earlier roles include a tenure at an international business, where they were integral to brand identity, customer acquisition, and retention strategies across multiple countries. Their impact in promoting inclusive marketing strategies and crisis management is noteworthy, alongside impressive advancements in sales and channel partnerships. Beyond their professional endeavours, the candidate is engaged in volunteer activities, such as public speaking on mental health and EDI, and coaching a sport in their private time at high competitive levels. Their accolades, including multiple awards for marketing excellence and recognition in diversity initiatives, further underscore their industry expertise and leadership calibre.