The regional shift, the skills crunch, and what it means for your hiring strategy 

The construction and development market activity continues to expand outside of the capital with major construction projects developing in secondary cities, like Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. Making the story of 2026 so far one for regional success, but challenges lie ahead for anyone hiring across quantity surveying, project management, or building surveying, to these newer hubs for attracting the best professionals from a smaller talent pool. 

The regional shift is real 

In Q2 2025, the West Midlands recorded a 78% quarterly increase in construction starts, up 83% on the same period in 2024. The Northwest saw a 72% spike and the Northeast surged 75% quarter-on-quarter. London, by contrast, posted 34% quarterly growth but remained 10% below the year prior’s levels. 

Housebuilding is the headline driver. Residential starts rose 24% quarter-on-quarter and 22% year-on-year across England, with new sites coming online in the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the Southwest. Developer confidence is returning, and it's returning outside the capital first. 

The technical skills gap: an opportunity to hire 

The single biggest theme shaping construction hiring over the past year has been the introduction of Gateway 2. It's fundamentally altered how projects are resourced, and the ripple effect is being felt across every discipline we work with. 

Technical capability is now required from stage two rather than later in delivery. That's pushed demand for quantity surveying, design, and technical professionals higher, while creating real pressure on site-based and externally facing roles. In residential construction in particular, project delays have created pockets of oversupply, and we're seeing candidates prioritise continuity over salary as a result. 

For employers, this cuts both ways. The technical talent you need is harder to find and more expensive to attract. But in some areas of the market, there's an opportunity to move quickly on strong candidates who might not have been available twelve months ago. Getting that balance right is exactly where having the right recruitment partner makes a difference. 

Remuneration: think beyond basic salary 

Candidates are evaluating their full package more than ever before. As part of our 2026 Workforce Sentiment Survey, which will inform our upcoming Salary Guide & Trends Report, we asked our LinkedIn audience: when was your last pay rise? Nearly half said within the last 12 months. But a third haven't seen an increase in over two years, and 12% have never had one. 

Employers who benchmark on basic salary alone risk appearing uncompetitive before the conversation even starts. Total remuneration is the new battleground, and getting it right requires an accurate picture of what the market is actually paying, not what it was paying 18 months ago. 

What candidates really want is stability and healthy projects 

Pay matters, but it rarely tells the whole story. The consistent motivators we hear from candidates are project health, pipeline visibility, and long-term stability. People want to work on well-resourced, properly governed schemes. Contractors and consultancies that can articulate this clearly have a genuine advantage in the hiring process. Your project pipeline is as much a selling point as your salary offer. 

Counteroffers are increasingly common 

As candidates become more active and companies more competitive on pay and benefits, the risk of losing a candidate late in the process is more prominent. The key to navigating this is having the right recruitment partner advising you throughout, someone who can anticipate the risk early, position your offer correctly, and help you move at the right speed. 

deverellsmith in the Midlands 

Following the opening of our Midlands Office, we're working with some of highest talent for housebuilders, QS consultancies, project management and building surveying practices across the region. Whether it's a single strategic hire or a full team build-out, we'd welcome the conversation. Get in touch directly or visit deverellsmith.com. 

About Aaron Higgins 

Aaron is National Head of Development & Construction at deverellsmith, working with housebuilders, contractors, and consultancies across the Midlands and nationally to build high-performing teams. With 20 years of experience in property and construction recruitment, he is a trusted adviser to clients navigating skills shortages, team restructures, and growth in a fast-moving market. 

To discuss your hiring plans, contact Aaron at aaron.higgins@deverellsmith.com