Partnerships are the fabric of our business.
2025 has been a bit of a whirlwind, hasn’t it?
A year of change, resilience and plenty of lessons learned. Of course, there have been some tough times, but also some real wins; both for the industries we work in and for us here at Bowmay.
We’ve seen so much movement across textiles, manufacturing and engineering. Some companies have doubled down on investment and innovation, others have been rethinking how they attract and keep good people. And through it all, one thing’s stayed the same… people remain at the heart of every success story.
So what’s been happening in recruitment?
Quality over quantity
The hiring market this year has been steady but challenging. It’s taken a little longer to find the right people, and employers have had to get really clear on what “good” looks like for them. There’s no rush; the focus now is on getting it right.
We’ve also noticed a shift in what people are looking for. Flexibility, career development and purpose are still top of the list, but they’re also craving stability and a real connection with the business they join.
Looking ahead, we think 2026 will bring a bit more confidence back into the market. Companies have adapted to change, and there’s a sense of optimism. Hiring will stay competitive, but the businesses that communicate well, move quickly and treat people right will stand out.
Textiles – Heritage, heart and a lot of innovation
It’s been brilliant to see UK textiles keep evolving this year. There’s still that deep pride in craftsmanship and heritage, but now it’s paired with innovation in digital print, sustainability and product development.
We’ve spoken to lots of businesses who are pushing for greener processes or bringing their manufacturing back to the UK. That shift has created new types of roles; ones that blend technical know-how with creativity and problem solving.
As we head into 2026, that trend’s only going to continue. Sustainability isn’t just nice-to-have anymore; it’s shaping entire business strategies. The most successful companies will be the ones that invest in people who can bridge tradition and innovation.
Manufacturing & Engineering – still strong, still adapting
If there’s one thing that’s stood out in 2025, it’s how adaptable manufacturing and engineering continue to be. Despite all the change, investment hasn’t stopped – it’s just become more focused.
Automation, AI and smarter processes have all played a role this year, but they’ve also created new challenges when it comes to skills. Companies need people with hands-on expertise and digital understanding. Those individuals are worth their weight in gold.
The good news is… there’s a renewed energy in these industries. We’re seeing businesses plan ahead, build training into roles and think more creatively about who they hire. That’s a really positive sign as we move into next year.
Bowmay – Where partnership meets performance
For us, 2025 has been a year of growth – not just in numbers, but in impact. We’ve supported business owners, senior leaders and directors across textiles, manufacturing and engineering to find the talent they needed to drive their business forward.
Behind every placement is collaboration, deep knowledge, and understanding what each business is building towards, what skills will move them forward, and what kind of person will fit their culture.
For senior leaders, that means having a partner who understands your world and helps you shape the kind of teams that drive performance and longevity.
Looking ahead
If we had to sum up 2025 in a few words, it would be: steady, confident, people-focused.
The sectors we work in are evolving fast, but they’re filled with smart, passionate businesses that are ready for what’s next.
We’re proud to play our small part in that, helping brilliant companies and ambitious people connect, grow and keep British textiles, manufacturing and engineering thriving.
Here’s to a strong start to 2026 and plenty more partnerships along the way ♥️
