Reflections on May
May has been one of those months that reminds me why I genuinely enjoy working within the built environment sector.
Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty and constant noise around the market, there’s been a noticeable shift in energy amongst many of our clients. New budgets are being signed off, growth plans are moving forward, and importantly, businesses are making strategic hiring decisions with real intent and confidence.
What I’ve found particularly inspiring is the level of grit and determination out there at the moment. There’s a real sense of resilience — a powerful doggedness from leaders and teams who are choosing to push forward rather than stand still. That motivation becomes contagious when you spend your days speaking with ambitious people who are still building, still investing, and still planning for the future.
The focus now feels much more strategic than reactive. Businesses are thinking carefully about the hires they make, which in turn is creating some genuinely interesting and unique opportunities across the market. These aren’t just replacement hires — many are growth roles, succession planning appointments, or positions designed to strengthen leadership teams for the future.
I also spent some time at UKREiiF in Leeds this month, which always provides a useful snapshot of the industry mood. There was certainly plenty of conversation around challenges, but equally, a lot of optimism, collaboration, and appetite for growth. The event itself continues to grow year on year, and it’s always refreshing to reconnect with people face to face in an industry that still values relationships so highly.
On a more personal note, the Kingsley household is currently deep into A-Level and GCSE season. The house has suddenly become incredibly quiet — a rare occurrence with teenagers — which has actually made working from home rather idyllic this week, especially with the glorious weather we’ve been enjoying.
The only downside? The food bill.
I’m fairly certain my teenagers are eating us out of house and home at the moment, fuelled almost entirely by revision snacks and iced coffees.
This month also brought some particularly important personal news. I attended my annual post-cancer check-up, which is always one of those dates in the calendar that arrives with a mixture of reassurance and anxiety, no matter how positive you try to remain. I’m absolutely delighted and incredibly grateful to say that I received fantastic news and remain in great health.
Moments like that have a way of putting everything else into perspective.
As we head into June, there feels like there’s genuine momentum building across the sector. Challenges absolutely remain, but so does ambition — and increasingly, optimism too.
