Nicholas Associates

19/10/2026

Many engineering employers are already experiencing skill shortages across critical functions.

As demand grows for specialist talent, organisations face increasing competition for candidates with highly sought-after expertise.

Waiting until a vacancy appears is becoming a risky strategy.

Forward-thinking businesses are strengthening succession plans, investing in workforce planning and building talent pipelines before recruitment becomes business critical.

The organisations acting now will have a significant advantage in the years ahead.

💬 How confident are you in your ability to secure the talent your business will need over the next three years?

Our latest UK Engineering & Manufacturing Outlook 2027 explores the trends shaping the workforce of the future and what employers need to do to stay ahead.

Download your copy today: https://www.nicholasassociates.co.uk/engineering-manufacturing-outlook-2027/

15/10/2026

The construction market is changing. But not everywhere in the same way.

Infrastructure. Housing. Utilities. Commercial. Retrofit. Public sector.

Different markets. Different pressures. Different talent requirements.

For construction employers, understanding where demand is heading is only part of the challenge.

The other question is:
Do you have the people you need to take advantage of it?

Coming soon:
UK Construction & Built Environment Outlook 2027
From Nicholas Associates.

24/09/2026

What a night ✨

The Recruiter Awards are always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements, innovation and talent that make our industry so special.

Whilst we fell just short in the Best Engineering Recruitment Agency category, we're incredibly proud to have been shortlisted among some of the UK's leading recruitment businesses.

Recognition at this level reflects the hard work of our colleagues, the trust of our clients, and the ambition that drives us forward every day.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and thank you to everyone who continues to be part of our journey.

22/09/2026

A fantastic evening ahead as we join Ashley Kate HR & Finance and Stafforce Ports at the Recruiter Awards this evening 🏆

We’re incredibly proud to see Nicholas Associates shortlisted for an award and to be recognised alongside some of the very best businesses and individuals across the recruitment industry.

It’s a real privilege to be here, celebrating the achievements of our industry and everyone who has made tonight possible.

Wishing all the nominees the very best of luck!

22/09/2026

A shift in momentum for UK industry? 📊

The latest ONS figures show production losing ground across the three months to July – but look beneath the headline and parts of UK manufacturing are moving in a different direction.

From engineering and technology to pharmaceuticals, the latest data reveals a varied picture across the sector.

What’s driving the change?

Read our latest analysis 👇
🔗

The latest Index of Production figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that UK production activity weakened across the three months to July 2026, despite a modest improvement during July itself. Overall production declined for the first time

21/09/2026

NEW REPORT 📢 UK Engineering & Manufacturing Outlook 2027

The future of UK engineering isn't just about technology.

It's about people.

Manufacturers are investing in AI, automation, digitalisation and new products - but access to skills remains one of the biggest barriers to growth.

So what does that mean for employers?

Our new Nicholas Associates Engineering & Manufacturing Outlook 2027 explores:

⚙️ The UK engineering talent market
🤖 AI, automation and the Engineer of 2030
🌱 Green engineering skills
👥 Attraction and retention
📈 Future workforce planning
🧠 Succession and knowledge retention
📍 Regional engineering talent markets

And importantly:

What can employers do about it?

Download your complimentary copy:
👉https://www.nicholasassociates.co.uk/engineering-manufacturing-outlook-2027/

18/09/2026

Has UK construction lost some of its momentum? 🏗️

After several periods of growth, the latest ONS figures show a shift in construction activity – with housing, new work and repair and maintenance all contributing to a mixed picture.

But July also brought a small change in direction.

What could the latest figures tell us about the sector as we move towards the end of 2026?

Read our full analysis 👇
🔗

The latest construction figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a change in direction for the industry, with output declining across the three months to July 2026 following four consecutive periods of growth. While July itself delivered a

17/09/2026

99% of manufacturers say access to skills will influence their future growth plans.

That's an extraordinary number.

Investment in automation, AI and advanced manufacturing continues - but technology can only deliver its potential if businesses have the people capable of implementing, operating and improving it.

Our upcoming Engineering & Manufacturing Outlook 2027 explores the people and skills challenges behind the transformation of UK industry.

Coming soon from Nicholas Associates.

15/09/2026

Something is coming...

The UK engineering workforce is changing.

Automation. AI. Green technologies. An ageing workforce. Increasing competition for specialist skills.

For engineering and manufacturing leaders, the question is no longer simply:
"Where will we find our next engineer?"

It's:
"Do we have the skills our business will need next?"

We've been looking at the trends shaping the UK engineering and manufacturing workforce - and what they mean for employers.

Our findings are coming soon.

11/09/2026

Another successful placement. Another candidate-first experience👏

A huge congratulations to John Ashcroft from our Construction division for receiving fantastic feedback following the successful placement of a Health & Safety Advisor within the RC Frame sector.

At Nicholas Associates, we believe recruitment is about more than simply filling vacancies. It's about building trusted relationships, providing honest advice, maintaining clear communication, and supporting candidates every step of their career journey.

Feedback like this reflects the approach our team takes every day, ensuring candidates feel informed, supported, and confident throughout the recruitment process.

Well done, John, on delivering the high standards of service that Nicholas Associates is known for 👏