Why UK businesses are thriving with strategic hiring in 2025

By Sim Hall, MD at Populus Select

Despite some doom and gloom jobs figures from the Government, many UK businesses are not just surviving but thriving by adopting strategic hiring practices.

Companies we work with in sectors including life sciences, chemicals, power, construction, and new technologies are leveraging strategic recruitment to drive growth and innovation.

Recent data shows that UK businesses are actively hiring – for the right candidates - with nearly two in five business leaders hoping to increase headcount in 2025. These companies are playing the long game by focusing on strategic hires to position themselves to make the most of the economic bounce back. Of course, many are in growing industries, where experienced talent is in hot demand, so in many ways, one business’s loss, is another’s gain.

In the life sciences sector, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. The UK life sciences industry employs over 250,000 people and is projected to grow significantly – these businesses cannot afford to lose their experienced team members if they are to continue to innovate and develop groundbreaking medical treatments and technologies.The chemicals industry is also experiencing growth, with a focus on sustainable materials and processes. By strategically hiring skilled professionals, companies are driving innovation and meeting the increasing demand for environmentally friendly products. The chemicals sector is expected to see a 5% increase in job openings in 2025.

The power sector is another area where strategic hiring is making a difference. With the UK's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, there is a growing need for talent in renewable energy and green technologies. The green jobs sector in the UK is projected to create over 600,000 jobs by 2030. Those that understand the importance of strategic recruitment will be the ones who win the green technology race.

The construction industry is also on the rise, with an expected need to hire around 454,000 new workers by the end of 2025 to meet demand. This growth is driven by infrastructure projects and the push for sustainable building practices.

The UK businesses that are set to ride the economic uncertainty and emerge stronger on the other side are those which are demonstrating resilience and strategic foresight by continuing to hire and invest in top talent during challenging times.

Don’t get left behind.