Why Businesses Are Hesitating To Hire

Why businesses are hesitating to hire in 2026 right now

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 in manufacturing & engineering

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 […]

How To Reduce Turnover in Production Roles

reduce turnover with these retention strategies

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, […]

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 […]

Mind The Gap

The skills gap is growing, a crack in the ground that's growing and spreading

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 […]

How to Kick-Start Your Career in Manufacturing and Engineering

manufacturing and engineering college students learning about cnc machines

The manufacturing and engineering industries aren’t just vital to the UK’s economy, they’re the backbone of innovation, sustainability, and technological progress. Whether you’re a school leaver, fancy a career change, or someone eager to upskill yourself, these fields offer job security, excellent opportunities, and the chance to truly make a difference. Why Choose Manufacturing and […]

The Skills Gap: How You Can Start Addressing Labour Shortages Now!

Bridging the Skills gap with Oliver Rae

As industries, especially manufacturing, construction and engineering, continue to grow, one challenge remains at the forefront. Labour shortages due to an increasing skills gap. With an aging workforce, evolving technologies, and a lack of specialised training, many businesses are feeling the pinch. How do we address this growing issue while keeping up with the demands […]