Don’t fear the Brexit uncertainty…
I’m Daniel Foster and I head up our Quantity Surveying division, specifically helping PQS/Consultancy’s when they are looking to recruit Quantity Surveyors across the UK.
Why do you need to know that?
The position I’m in allows me access to the thoughts and mindset of what Directors and Partners in the PQS/Consultancy market are thinking.
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had a number of conversations with influential individuals and have very deliberately discussed Brexit with them:
1) The Partner of a medium size QS/PM (London Liverpool Street)
We were discussing his requirements to push the firm forward and he told me to look for Quantity Surveyors with good pre contract knowledge as well as a Senior Quantity Surveyor who enjoys business development. I then brought up the recent update on Brexit. He almost seemed confused telling me they have no concerns due to their current and expanding workload.
2) Client meeting with an International QS practice
They have detailed plans to hire 300 members of staff (predominantly Quantity Surveyors) across the whole of the UK, but especially tailored towards London and the South West. There was certainly an emphasis towards Senior and Associate level QS’s with the mention of Brexit receiving a shrug of the shoulders.
3) Associate Director – London
Yesterday I was speaking with the Associate Director of a modern and progressive consultancy. We were initially discussing the importance of hiring a project focused SQS when he convinced himself that with the mounting workload, it’s best he hires 2 Quantity Surveyors.
The message very much seems to be:
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.
I’ve read a few Brexit related articles recently and they have all suggested that regardless of the outcome of Brexit negotiations there will be a detrimental effect on the construction industry and I understand that there will be a period of uncertainty. However, it is clear from the comments made by senior people within the industry that any uncertainty is not currently impacting the QS job market.
However, don’t just take my word for it…
On the 27th September Building Magazine announced that despite Brexit fears more than two-thirds of the top 150 surveying consultancies have grown their staff numbers and more than 9/10 firms increased Quantity Surveying salaries.
I’m not here to tell you that it’s going to be all smooth sailing but as an ‘insider’ I can say with confidence that job market is as buoyant as it has been all year. From a statistical position, we have placed more Quantity Surveyors in the last quarter than we did in any previous quarter this year.
Personally, I’ve seen an increase in the demand for good M&E Quantity Surveyors and MRICS QS’s.
We all hope that a good Brexit deal will be struck sooner rather than later but my advice is this; do not let this deter you from progressing your Quantity Surveying career if it’s been on your mind to do so.
The need for Quantity Surveyors continues to increase with no sign of external factors impacting this.
#neverbeenbusier
