The SHREK firms, namely the top Search Consultancies, are now busy across most sectors, in other words back to normal. But whilst they tend to have been building their teams for some time, the lower end of the market has been declaring redundancies throughout.

It is therefore pleasing to see that at least the next levels of Executive Recruitment are now coming out of, what has been for them, a frustratingly slow recovery since the New Year.

Things are getting better. It’s early stage, somewhat patchy and there is still a scarcity of mandates, but Search Consultants are generally indicating that activity is improving.

There is internal movement/promotion within the Big 4 and there is demand in Consultancy generally, particularly in Digitisation. NED roles are still limited and very focused.

Geographically Singapore remains an attractive location for job seekers, although the expected movement from Hong Kong has yet to happen in significant volume. There is real demand for top tier Consultants, but with preference for Singaporeans it is still hard to access otherwise.

There is good demand in Logistics, Ports, Heavy Machinery, Industrial Manufacturing, Software and Pharmaceuticals/Biotech.

These roles are in Eastern Europe, Northern Europe/Scandinavia, Middle East and Africa in particular. Whilst the UK is progressing, Western Europe is static due to the 3rd wave.

New Clients in Industrial sectors are getting immediate pick-up, which is good news, but Commercial is rather more stable. The sectors have been comparatively strong throughout at the top level, if not so good further down, so it is good to note that there is now more demand arising below the £200k level as well.

France and Germany have gone quiet, but there is demand in Food manufacturing in the Middle East and an abundance of Chair, NED and Board Advisory roles, particularly in Data/Digital.

It is clear that a lot of Executives are still holding-back from the marketplace, understandably, but it is equally clear that those who are making themselves available are benefiting from a shortage of good candidates in many industries and disciplines.

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