Q3 got off to a strong start, particularly in terms of permanent hiring, and early signs suggest that momentum will carry through August and into the autumn. While the short-term pipeline has softened slightly (no surprise given we’re still deep in summer), there’s a clear appetite for continued hiring in the second half of the year. Growth is firmly back on the agenda it seems.
Almost every conversation we’re having points to a solid first half and a confident outlook for H2. Across the board, businesses are talking about modernising supply chains, pushing forward with unified commerce strategies, and making better use of data; all areas where projects are beginning to build.
Unsurprisingly, AI continues to dominate the conversation. But it’s not just talk: for many businesses, real investment and practical action are now required to bring AI ambitions to life.
After a stop-start couple of years, we’re also expecting a more aggressive catch-up cycle, especially from retailers who hit pause in 2023 and 2024. Many are now moving fast to make up for lost time.
One emerging trend to watch is the increasing use of nearshore resources. There’s a clear shift in thinking here: while the cost savings aren’t what they were a few years ago, the quality of talent and technical output is incredibly strong; leading more companies to tap into these markets as they build delivery capability.
Momentum’s building – now it’s about keeping it going.
Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month
- Next saw full‑price sales climb 10.5% in the 13 weeks to July 26, helped by warm weather and spillover from Marks & Spencer’s cyber‑attack disruption. The retailer increased annual pretax profit expectations by £25m to £1.105bn READ MORE
- WHSmith has agreed a £24m deal to sell its Funky Pigeon division to Card Factory. The transaction is expected to complete by year’s end, further focusing WHSmith on its core travel‑retail business READ MORE
- UK supermarket sales rose 5.8% year-on-year in the four weeks to 12 July. Ocado (+13.1%), Lidl (+10.3%), Sainsbury’s (+5.0%) and Waitrose (+4.8%) outperformed, while Asda saw a 2.3% decline READ MORE
- B&M reported UK revenue up 4.7% in the quarter to June 28, with demand for garden, DIY, toys and furniture lifted by dry spring weather. The retailer plans to open 45 new UK stores in the year ahead READ MORE
- Footfall across UK retail destinations climbed 1.5% week‑on‑week in early July, with high streets up 1.3%, retail parks up 2.9%, and shopping centres up 0.9% – boosted by warm weather and high-profile summer events including the Oasis concerts READ MORE
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