NEW markets in construction are opening up a massive range of skilled jobs as the North West gets back on track for major growth.

At the heart of this multi-million pound bounce-back from pandemic challenges is Russell Taylor Group’s regional recruitment operation where expansion is forecast to meet the demand for local labour in construction trades and building services.

North West Division manager Gary Jones said: “Our feet are now fully on the accelerator as the region starts to well and truly bounce back after the coronavirus years.

“Yes, it’s been a challenging time but the North West is booming as the construction industry fights back with renewed confidence to get new build projects and re-fits off the ground.

“Now is the time for us to maximise labour opportunities where jobs are emerging every day, from groundworks to fit-out along with maintenance and repair work in the private and public sectors, in commercial and domestic settings.”

Emerging from the pandemic, analysts highlighted the North West as the UK’s best performer in the construction industry, having the highest value of project starts and up more than 50 per cent on the same time in 2020.

Firmly on the road to recovery is Manchester, showing the second fastest rate of growth of 30 major European cities and its economy this year predicted to grow by 6.5 per cent, a significant increase compared with a 10-year, pre-Covid average of 3.4 per cent. Growth is being driven by a rebound in the sectors hardest hit during the pandemic.

At Trafford Park, the leisure sector is experiencing a surge in activity with work due to start this year on Therme Manchester, a £250 million wellbeing resort and spa. The Manchester hotel sector is expected to see the highest number of new openings outside London - driven by football and big events returning to the city - while workspace creation and a growing tech sector is adding to a mood of optimism in the city.

The Russell Taylor Group regional team is also reporting an uplift in construction projects across Birmingham as the face of the city begins to change due to this year’s Commonwealth Games, its multi-million pound housing schemes and major development projects at the University of Birmingham and Aston University.

Gary added: “The economies of Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield are also expanding at an incredible rate, making them places where people want to come and live, work and play – they are really buzzing. 

“As there’s unlikely to be any slow-down, these new markets bringing economic growth and investment in our cities are therefore creating a huge number of job vacancies in the construction trades and building services sector.

“It means a whole spectrum of skilled building and construction workers are now needed to get them off the ground and see them to completion - joiners, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, plant operators, fit-out specialists, decorators and labourers.”

Rob Kurton, Russell Taylor Group managing director, said the business was now firmly at the heart of exciting plans for the economic growth of major cities in the North. 

He said: “New opportunities are constantly being opened up for jobs and skills development in the region and we, as one of the biggest technical recruitment operations in the UK, are very much a part of these plans and recognise the impact they will have on the expansion of our own organisation.

“Our teams are now perfectly placed in the centre of activity in vibrant cities that are entering new phases of major economic growth and where their expertise will put clients and candidates in pole position to take advantage of their remarkable transformation.”