Last month’s update landed at a time when things were starting to pick up – and we’re pleased to say that momentum hasn’t slowed. April has already seen a steady flow of positive conversations, new instructions coming through, and long-standing vacancies being filled – exactly what we like to see.
March set the tone, and so far, April is following suit.
📈 CVs sent are the highest this year.
📈 Interviews taken place is the highest this year
On top of this – and while it’s a slightly more subjective metric – we’re finding more people are open to having conversations about hiring. Why does that matter? Well, if hiring wasn’t even on the radar, it’s unlikely anyone would spend 15–20 minutes on a call discussing it when there are a million and one other things demanding their attention, especially in a time where efficiency is everything.
Unsurprisingly, data remains the hottest topic right now. From driving internal efficiencies to boosting revenue through smarter loyalty programmes and personalisation, nearly every business is reviewing their data strategy. It’s not just retail either – we’re seeing increased demand across the insurance sector as well.
Outside of data, Shopify continues to lead the commerce platform space. Interestingly, Q1 saw several agencies from North America and the Nordics move into the already crowded UK market – including Woolman, ROIROI, Domaine, and Lazer Technologies (who landed last year). A few consultancies with enterprise transformation credentials have also secured Shopify Partner status. Given the demand for skilled technical Shopify professionals, it’s no surprise this has been a busy area for us throughout Q1.
To summarise, Q1 has been strong – both for us and across the wider recruitment space. Jobs are picking up across the digital commerce landscape. With fresh budgets now in play for many, we’re expecting to see new projects kicking off quickly as we move further into April.
Market Spotlight + Top 5 eCommerce Stories This Month
- WHSmith has sold 480 high street stores to Modella Capital (Hobbycraft owner) in a deal worth £76m. Stores will be rebranded TGJones and WH Smith retains its brand to focus on its travel shops READ MORE
- Fortnum & Mason partnered with Zapp to launch 24/7 on-demand delivery in London, offering rapid access to products like hampers and teas READ MORE
- Holland & Barrett opened its first experience-led store in Cardiff, featuring wellness activities like yoga and pilates, health checks, and personalised wellness solutions. The 3,710 sq ft store is part of a £70m investment in transforming retail experiences READ MORE
- ASOS.com has upped its profit outlook for H1 amid its ongoing turnaround strategy, expecting a “significant improvement” in profitability READ MORE
- Vinted opened its first luxury second-hand fashion pop-up, House of Vinted, in London’s The Adria Hotel on 22 March. Invitation-only guests were able to explore curated wardrobes featuring brands like Gucci and Prada Group READ MORE
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