Umbrella Company Changes 2026
Why these changes matter, what the risks are, and how to protect your business moving forward. Doing things properly has always mattered to us. We’ve always been big on doing things properly. Not in a box-ticking way, not because we feel like we have to, but because we’ve seen what happens when things aren’t done […]
Why Businesses Are Hesitating To Hire
Hiring feels different right now…more businesses are hesitating to hire. We’re hearing it every day.“Let’s hold off for now.” “We’ll see how things go.”“We’re not sure if it’s the right time.” And to be honest, it makes sense. With rising costs, changing demand, and uncertainty across manufacturing and engineering, many businesses are taking a step […]
Why We Don’t Promise ‘Anyone You Want’ (And Why That’s a Good Thing)
Honest recruitment for manufacturing businesses starts with truth, not promises. It means giving realistic expectations, clear communication, and prioritising retention over speed. It reduces rehiring, protects team morale, and delivers long-term hiring success. If you’ve worked with recruiters before, there’s a good chance you’ve heard something like this…“Yes, we can find that.”“Absolutely, no problem.”“Anyone you […]
What Manufacturing & Engineering Recruitment in 2026 Looks Like
2025 became a year that asked a lot of manufacturing and engineering businesses. There were wins, there were setbacks, and there were plenty of moments where decisions felt heavier than they used to. But it was also a year that reinforced why the right recruitment partner matters and why people-led recruitment still has a place […]
How To Reduce Turnover in Production Roles
In the manufacturing and engineering sector, retention isn’t just a HR metric, it’s a production issue, a cost issue, and in many cases, a customer-impact issue. So if you’re looking to reduce your turnover, keep reading… We see it every day, businesses fighting constant turnover on the shop floor, losing great workers to better opportunities, […]
We Don’t Give Up Until You Find The Right Job For You
Finding the right job takes time, and that’s ok. When it comes to finding the right job fit, the truth is simple. Sometimes it happens quickly, and sometimes it doesn’t. At Oliver Rae, we never give up on finding the right role for you, not just any role. We know that behind every CV is […]
Why We Love Working With Businesses That Value Their People
At Oliver Rae, people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s matching a skilled CNC setter with their next challenge or helping a manufacturer strengthen their production team, we know that success starts with the right people, and with businesses that truly value them. People-First Businesses We’re drawn to companies that see […]
Why Partnering with the Right Recruiter is a Game-Changer For Manufacturing & Engineering Businesses
Honestly? Recruitment in manufacturing and engineering isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days where you could stick an ad online and sit back while the CV’s rolled in. Those “300 applications from one post” days…History. Finding great people now takes graft. Consistent graft. The kind that involves picking up the phone, building […]
Mind The Gap
The skills gap in manufacturing & engineering isn’t coming. It’s already here. And it’s widening by the day. Across the West Midlands, experienced machinists, welders, toolmakers, press brake setter/operators, and maintenance engineers are reaching retirement age. Many of them have spent decades perfecting their craft, holding together production lines, and passing on their knowledge to […]
Five Years of Oliver Rae!
It’s hard to believe that Oliver Rae has turned five this month. Half a decade, and what a half it’s been. Five years ago, we weren’t a team, we were just an idea. With a background in recruitment and a passion for doing things the right way, Lauren launched Oliver Rae, an independent recruitment agency […]