Making the Most of a Changing UK Market

What’s the interim UK market looking like? After returning to the UK after three months away I have noticed significant changes to the UK market.  In this post, I look at what skillsets and experience interim’s need to land the next role in this changing economic landscape.

Although we have been hearing of “signs of optimism” and “green shoots of recovery” for some time now, the differences in the market I have seen since returning to the UK market after 3 months away are significant – and positively so.

Energetic Environment

Although you can expect periods such as Christmas (when I left) and Easter (when I returned) to be quieter, the nature of conversations with clients has changed. There is now increased activity around growth and investment projects that interims should be aware of if they are to obtain that crucial next assignment. These include areas such as:

• Entering new markets or geographies
• Expanding upon existing products and services in response to demand
• Business development projects and programmes as a result of fresh investment
• Bid management and delivery – involving both individuals and teams to win new business

Diverse Demand in the UK Market

Concurrently, the areas in which this is happening are diverse. For example, activity has markedly increased around sectors such as infrastructure and construction – but this should be no surprise with the amount of civil engineering and house building projects that are taking place as a result of government initiatives. The same can also be said for the energy and utilities sector, where demand is up as UK market leaders continue to try and find new and innovative ways to provide efficient, affordable and future-proof services to customers.

Growth Overtakes Cost Cutting

The good news in this rapid change environment is that while cost cutting and “cost improvement” still feature amongst client conversations, they are by no means the sole feature. Companies are now taking part in both organic and acquisitive growth to step into cycle with the economy. Interims must work in parallel as mentors, advisors and implementers if they want to play a part.

As an interim, what is your view of the job opportunities in today’s market?  Would you say there is more optimism for the UK economy than four months ago?   Have you noticed more businesses expanding due to demand?  Please leave your comments below.

Photo Credit: NikiLitov

Tags: business advice career advice, economy, interim industry