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, […]

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 […]

Five Years of Oliver Rae!

A collection of lime green birthday balloons to celebrate Oliver Rae's 5th Birthday, a recruitment agency in the West Midlands

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 […]

Why Loving Your Job Matters for Mental Health

I remember the day vividly – the day I turned 16 and my mum decided it was time I got a job. No ifs, no buts. Off I went to work at the local chip shop, and let me tell you, I hated it! But there I was, frying chips and wrapping orders for a […]

Interview Tips: Candidate Edition

We all know interviews can feel daunting, we’ve all been there at one point or another. The thought of sitting across from a hiring manager while they fire questions at you can feel more like an interrogation than an opportunity. But here’s the truth, interviews should be a two-way conversation. It’s not a test. Your […]