Why not work in… East Anglia?
Tim Cook, managing director of Hays Construction & Property, reports on the latest employment trends in East Anglia.
Overview
Construction activity has stepped up pace throughout East Anglia; new-build commercial and residential projects are being initiated to meet demand from people wanting to move to the area, largely as a lifestyle choice.
These projects involve the UK’s biggest developers and contractors and look set to continue due to the planning of new settlements across the region. Civils, building and residential work will continue to demand high numbers of technical employees.
What’s going on?
The regeneration of the docks is one of the primary construction projects taking place in Ipswich. This involves both residential and commercial development and commenced three years ago. Another surge of activity on the docks is expected soon, which will draw on the already limited supply of labour in the area. There has been a noticeable demand for labourers, project management and engineers.
The Colchester Garrison is also a significant project, with phase 2 due to start later this month. It is expected to be completed in 2009 and is worth around £500 million. At the peak of phase 1, around 1600 people were employed on the project.
Chris Burgess, senior consultant at Hays Construction & Property, comments: “This development has had a huge impact on recruitment in the area. We filled over five hundred positions during phase 1 of the Garrison and expect to fill at least another six hundred during the next phase”.
The £750 million Anglian Water Amp 4 project has also contributed to activity in the area. It is due to be finished in 2010 and requires a number of staff including quantity surveyors, site agents and engineers, who are still being recruited. In addition, a £290 million healthcare project in Peterborough is a significant PFI project. Initially, we recruited for a senior construction manager to help with the bid of this project; additional roles will be required upon financial closure.
Top three roles in the area
Engineers are highly sought after, particularly on a permanent basis. However, many engineers are keen to continue working on a freelance basis and often sacrifice a better overall package with benefits, to maintain a higher basic salary.
Plant Operators are in strong demand, particularly given that the majority of 180/360 drivers are tied up in the key projects in the area of the docks and the Garrison.
Estimators and Quantity Surveyors are also sought after in the East Anglia region, across all levels and in most disciplines. For example, we recently filled a position for a senior quantity surveyor in Cambridge. The position demanded 5-10 years' experience, with both design & build and traditional build experience. The successful candidate possessed an HNC in construction, a degree in quantity surveying and was working in London.
The position offered a salary of £45,000, car, discretionary bonus, 25 days' holiday and contributory pension amongst many benefits. This position was challenging to fill because not only was the client looking for substantial experience and a steady career history, but also an individual with enthusiasm and drive – all in a region where such candidates are at a premium.
How much would I get paid?
Due to a candidate-led market, increasing competition to employ certain skill sets e.g. quantity surveyors and also the fact that it is a busy period throughout the region there has been a steady increase in salaries, which are largely above the national average.
This trend is likely to continue, as the projects continue to develop. However, it is largely only the senior candidates that can command salaries substantially above the national average, as these are in high demand.
How far would my salary go?
- Pint of Adnam’s Ale: £2.20
- Local fish and chips: about £3.50
- Ticket to Norwich City football game: £23
- Four-person barge holiday on Norfolk Broads for a week in July: £500
Contact
For further information on employment opportunities in East Anglia, contact Alex Threadkell, Manager of Hays Construction & Property, on 01223 361496 or Chris Burgess, Senior Consultant on 01473 281968.
