Six Months 6 In…and the wheels are turning!

August was a record-breaker for interviews booked, and if the current momentum is anything to go by, September’s shaping up to be another cracker. The mechanical and electrical (M&E) sector is buzzing right now, especially when it comes to project managers in the commercial fit-out space.

Right now, I’m actively recruiting for four mechanical project managers with solid commercial experience, along with three electrical project managers.  While data centre roles often steal the spotlight, the commercial sector is just as busy and we’re right in the thick of it.  A lot of our most successful placements are people we have been recommended.  With that said, we are offering referral fees up to £1,000 for successful placements.

Contract

Our contract book continues to grow, and this month we’re setting clear targets to hit by the end of Year 1. With clients ranging from £1 million to £500 million in turnover, we’re able to offer different options, including outside IR35 payment options via small business exemptions, opening the door to a wider pool of talented contractors.

That said, growth does come with its challenges. We recently hit a snag with credit approval for a new client, which we have since solved by being open and honest, looking at alternative options. At £550 per day per contractor, the numbers stack up fast, so it was important to find a solution. We worked closely with internal team and agreed on weekly invoicing and reduced payment terms to build a payment history and get credit approved. It’s a strategic move that keeps the door open without risking the roof.

We’re also using a factoring company to fund payroll, through this facility we can provide a slick timesheet portal, which is really user friendly for both our clients and contractors. While the cost is on the higher side (calculated on the full cost rate rather than margin), the benefits scale with us: as turnover grows, we’re able to negotiate more favorable fee percentages. Our strategy is built around volume and value, so the more contractors we place the more competitive rates for our clients. It’s a balanced model that fosters trust, encourages repeat business, and builds long-term partnerships across the board.

Permanent

On the permanent side, we’ve had another solid month with two confirmed starters for September and three senior level offers pending at time of writing. There’s still a strong preference among companies for permanent hires over contractors, especially at senior levels, and we’re seeing this trend play out across multiple sectors.

Overview

All in all, we’re in a great space. We’re working with clients we genuinely believe in, companies we’re proud to have on our books and recommend to candidates. There’s a healthy mix of sectors and sizes, and our relationships are deepening by the day.

We’re seeing stronger cultural alignment thanks to deeper client understanding and clearer communication, which has led to more meaningful feedback and better matches all around.

Our contractor book is expanding steadily, and permanent placements continue to land with consistency. It’s safe to say that the gears are well-oiled, the engine’s on, and we’re picking up speed toward a confident and successful finish to Year 1.