Q1 2026: Exceeding Targets and Looking Ahead

By James Waissel, Founder & PM Recruiter

Q1 is done, and honestly, it's been a brilliant start to the year.

We set ourselves a target coming into 2026 and we've finished the quarter having delivered 100% above it. That's not something we take lightly. It reflects the trust that both candidates and clients have placed in us, and we don't underestimate that for a second.

To every project management and quantity surveying professional who came to us with their career in their hands, Thank You. And to every consultancy client who has partnered closely with us to find the right people for their businesses, we genuinely appreciate the confidence you've placed in Huntsman Consult. The results speak to what happens when both sides of the relationship are fully committed and aligned.

What the Market is Telling Us

It would be easy to just celebrate the numbers and move on, but the more interesting story is what we're seeing on the ground.

Demand within the commercial office space remains strong. Cut and carve, Cat A and Cat B fit-out, these are all areas where we're seeing consistent appetite for experienced talent. The hospitality sector continues to hold up well too.

The real headline, though, is residential. It's starting to come back. We're increasingly seeing clients in both the QS and PM space looking for experienced professionals to support build-to-rent, PBSA and co-living schemes. There's also a growing thread of change-of-use work coming through - office to hotel, office to residential - which is creating its own set of requirements for skilled, adaptable people who understand the complexity of those conversions.

What Q2 Holds

We're heading into the next quarter with momentum and a clear direction.

Beyond the sectors we're already active in, we're exploring new verticals, some of which we'll be sharing more on in the coming weeks. Huntsman is growing, and we're being deliberate about how we do that.

For candidates, our focus remains exactly what it's always been: understanding where you want to go and helping you get there, not just filling a role, but building a career.

For clients, we're doubling down on the quality and speed of our search. The market is competitive for talent right now, and the businesses that move with purpose are the ones winning.

We're looking forward to a strong Q2 and beyond. If you're a candidate thinking about your next move, or a business that needs the right people to deliver, let's talk. Get in touch with the Huntsman team today.

Get in touch with the Huntsman team today.

Here's to a successful quarter ahead.

Here is what James Waissel had to say: