Rising to the Challenge: Headhunters in the UK’s Construction Sector
According to the Centre for Cities, the United Kingdom has a backlog of over 4.3 million homes – an issue which began in 1947[1]. In 2019, the Conservative Party ran on a manifesto commitment to build 1 million houses by the end of 2024.
Last month, Michael Gove, the Home Secretary, reiterated that commitment. He outlined a series of steps the government will take to achieve that goal.
This included relaxing the rules around converting commercial properties into residential ones, prioritising brownfield site development, and emphasising the role of sustainable practices.
Gove’s speech raises several points for headhunters who work in the residential sector.
At face value, we expect a significant increase in the demand for skilled talent across the construction and residential sectors.
This includes architects, town planners, project managers, construction executives, and real estate professionals.
Already, there’s a shortage of skilled professionals in this sector. According to research from APSCo, the number of unfilled vacancies at the end of 2022 rose by 121.4%[2].
As the government seeks to accelerate the housing supply, that number will likely increase. Headhunters will have to rise to the challenge to meet these roles.
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Not only will there be a demand for general skills, but also for particular sets of experiences.
Gove’s speech emphasised the importance of urban development, particularly building on brownfield sites and converting commercial properties.
[1] https://www.centreforcities.org/publication/the-housebuilding-crisis/#:~:text=Compared%20to%20the%20average%20European,homes%20a%20year%20is%20reached.
[2] https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/hr-skills-news/construction-talent-recruitment-challenges-2023/120549/
Anyone in construction knows this poses unique challenges, often not associated with rural newbuilds.
These can range from legal issues associated with planning permissions to the technical difficulties of building in developed areas.
Individuals with experience in this area will likely be highly sought after by organisations, and headhunters must position themselves in such a way to fill that gap.
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Likewise, green credentials may be increasingly sought after.
Gove’s speech reflects increased public and private sector demand for sustainable building practices.
In an era of greenwashing, dismissing this as empty and unimportant is easy. However, environmental tax relief schemes are real[1].
Organisations in the construction and residential sector that can demonstrate their ‘eco-consciousness’ may have an easier time winning bids, meeting regulatory requirements, getting funding, and navigating technical, environmental challenges.
In turn, individuals with the experience required to bring these skills to an organisation will become more valuable.
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The residential and construction sector is constantly evolving. Adapting to changing pressures is crucial in any industry. Gove’s speech reflects another milestone in the shifting recruitment landscape.
Much has changed since Pinnacle Recruitment began in 2003. Adverts don’t work anymore, especially when trying to find people that fit niche skill sets. Indeed, many suitable candidates aren’t on the general market or actively pursuing new roles.
Instead, constant communication, persistence and proactivity are key. The construction and residential sectors are built on solid relationships and trust; recruitment here is no different.
If you’re looking for skilled headhunters with a 98+% success rate in candidate placement, please reach out to [email protected]
[1] https://www.gov.uk/green-taxes-and-reliefs