Why the future of recruitment in textiles, manufacturing & engineering is brighter than you think!
It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative headlines, ‘falling output’, ‘talent shortages’, ‘cautious hiring’. But if you look beneath all that, Q1 is telling us a very different story.
One of opportunity, evolution and resilience, especially for those of us in recruitment.
At Bowmay Consulting we work at the crossroads of change, and right now, that’s exactly where the most exciting things are happening!
Read our latest Q1 business update & 2025 hiring trends >
The stats that matter
- 816,000+ live UK vacancies as of Feb 2025
- +24% Net Employment Outlook in engineering
- 81% of employers struggling to find the right talent
- 41% increase in planned entry-level hiring
- Manufacturing output down 1.1%, but sustainability and ‘bringing it home’ on the rise
These figures don’t paint a bleak picture – they highlight where help is needed. And that’s where we can step in.
Textiles: The return of UK talent
Between Brexit, offshoring, and talent migration, the textiles industry has been hit hard. But with a new focus on innovation and technical product development, the sector is bouncing back. Not only does it need skilled workers with hands-on experience and a deep knowledge of materials, but it’s also crying out for professionals and senior leaders who can drive innovation, navigate supply chains, mentor future talent and spot ‘new to market’ opportunities to stay ahead of the game.
Manufacturing: Rethinking, Rebuilding
Yes, output has declined. But manufacturers are transforming. They’re re-evaluating processes, investing in sustainability, and bringing production back to the UK. That means a rising need for skills in innovation, green practices, and efficient workflows. We know this space, we’ve walked the factory floors, not just scrolled through job boards.
Engineering: Hiring intent is high but so is the pressure
Demand is strong. So strong in fact that an astonishing 4 in 5 employers can’t find the people they need. From design and quality engineers to automation specialists, there’s a real hole in the market. We can help bridge that – not just by filling roles, but by understanding what makes the perfect fit for your business.
How we’re pushing forward!
Well… we’re definitely not sitting still. Here’s how we’re driving our recruitment practices forward:
- Prioritising skills over qualifications
- Proactive talent pipelining
- Data-driven candidate matching
- Advocating for training and career development
- Faster, smarter shortlisting
- Employer branding support
The candidate is king
Right now, it’s a candidate-led market, there’s no doubt, but people want more than just a job; they want purpose, work-life balance, and the chance to grow.
If employers want to attract (and keep) top talent, they must deliver more. That’s where we come in: Helping shape the message, improve the offer, and make the connection.
The bottom line?
Q1 was a wake-up call, not a warning sign. For recruiters ready to adapt and lead, the future looks very strong. We’re not just filling roles, we’re building businesses, careers, and driving industry growth.
Let’s make Q2 even better.
