The Market Is Busy – Are You Ready for 2026?

2025 is very different to 2021

I’m not talking about the standard pitch – “we’re a great team”, “we’re growing”, or “we’ve been around for years”. That’s not enough anymore. In a candidate-driven market, where skilled professionals have options, you need to stand out. Because from the outside looking in, your business might just look like every other company doing similar work, in a similar way. So what makes someone say – “I want to work there”? Let’s break it down: Salary – Yes, it’s a big driver. You don’t have to be the highest payer, but you do need to be competitive. Environment – Are you offering flexibility? Is it a positive space to work? Is there a culture of support and development? Progression – Can people see a future? Are there examples of internal promotion? Or will they be doing the same role for 5 years? Benefits – Even the basics. Is there free parking? What’s the pension like? Any health support? Bonuses? Training budget? Reputation – What do candidates say about you after an interview? What do former employees say about you now? Work-life balance – Are you open to hybrid working? Do people take lunch breaks? Is overtime the norm or the exception? Holidays & time off – 20 days plus bank holidays isn’t cutting it anymore. Candidates are looking at 25+ with birthday days off, time in lieu, and proper sick pay. All of these are questions candidates are actively asking. It’s a bit like interviewing two candidates – one who ticks the basic box, and another who does the same plus brings extra value, new ideas, and better long-term potential. Who would you hire? Your business needs to see itself through that lens. Because candidates are already doing it. It’s not always about the money, but it is always about value. So, ask yourself, if you were applying for a role at your company today, would you choose you?

We recently sent out a poll on LinkedIn to see what you think.... Steve at TemplePM has had many conversations with candidates where it's a make-or-break factor. Some crave the prestige of 'Senior' or 'Manager' titles for validation, whilst others prioritise compensation over labels. Consider a position without managerial responsibilities—earning £50k could signify senior-level pay, regardless of the title. What motivates you the most? You shared your thoughts and the results are in. 1% of you believed that your job title matters most. Whereas 59% felt that your salary is the priority. Almost not surprisingly, 40% of those responding said it was actually a mix of both that mattered most. These results were from 325 votes collected on LinkedIn. Despite the majority confirming what most of us already know, our economy has left us all in a position to make the most from a new role, as long as the price is right!

The Job Advertisement: Your First Impression Your job advert is often the first interaction a potential employee has with your company. It's crucial that this advert not only outlines the role but also reflects your company's culture and values. Is your advert clear, engaging, and devoid of jargon that might deter qualified candidates? Does it convey what makes your company unique? Job Description: Setting the Stage A well-crafted job description does more than list responsibilities; it communicates expectations and paints a picture of what success looks like in the role. Is your JD inviting, or does it resemble a daunting list of demands? Does it reflect modern job roles that might involve cross-functional teamwork or hybrid work environments? Interview Response Time: The Waiting Game Candidate experience is significantly influenced by how quickly and effectively you communicate. Long wait times between application and response can signal disorganisation or lack of interest in candidates. How responsive is your team? Are candidates kept in the loop about their application status? The Interview: A Two-Way Street The interview process is where candidates gauge if they fit culturally and professionally with your company. But it's also where candidates assess you. Is your interview process smooth, respectful, and insightful? Do you provide feedback, even for those not selected? Reflecting on Your Process After candidates interact with your recruitment process, do you ever seek their feedback? This can be an invaluable source of insight into how your process is perceived and where improvements can be made. Conclusion Your recruitment process is a mirror held up to your company's ethos. In a landscape where top talent has options, ensuring your process is as polished as your product or service can make all the difference. Free Assessment Offer: If you're interested in having an expert give you answers to the above and would like us to cast an eye over your recruitment process, we're offering a complimentary assessment. Let's work together to ensure you're not just attracting talent but impressing them from the get-go.

Steve, Managing Director of TemplePM was invited to be a guest on the Jodie Fraser podcast "Beyond Four Walls" to discuss his experiences in the block management industry. With over 20 years of knowledge he has pretty much seen it all and Jodie probes further in her podcast. To hear more about this please see the link: https://lnkd.in/eyxyZSPz

"Onboarding a New Employee: A Guide to a Smooth Start in Your Business

Residential Block Manager / Manchester / Up to £36k Our client is a specialist in residential property management and due to continued growth in their portfolio they are looking for a Block Manager to join their friendly team of block management specialists. The properties are a mixture of freehold and RMCs which are located in the Manchester area. Duties to include: * Providing exceptional levels of service to clients * Visiting sites and ensuring contractors attend to works * Preparing and Issuing service charge budgets * Completing Section 20 Notices * Liaising with internal accounts and utilising specialist property management software * Attending AGMs You will have a keen eye for detail and be used to dealing with clients where service levels are paramount. It is expected that you will already have several years' experience in residential block management and the IRPM qualification is desirable. To be considered for this role, you must be able to drive and have your own car. If you would like further information, then please contact Caroline at TemplePM or email caroline@templepm.com. Please note only suitable candidates will be contacted. TemplePM - Recruitment Specialist within the Property Sector finding positions for Block Managers, Property Managers, Estate Managers and Surveyors. If you feel that you have the right background or would like to deal with someone who knows what you do, then please get in touch with us at TemplePM. Contact: Caroline Tompkins Reference: 258

Property Administrator / West London / Up to £27,000 per annum We are now keen to find an enthusiastic and competent Property Administrator for our client based in Kensington. Our client is a specialist in residential block & estate management. They are looking for a Property Administrator to provide administrative support in the office. In this role you will be the first point of contact for customers and therefore great customer service experience is essential. Duties to include: Accepting incoming calls and handling customer queries Providing administrative support to team members Preparing and sending out documents Producing letters, legal documents, and general correspondence in line with legislation Building working relationships with the Property Managers and other departments in the business To be considered for this position you must have great customer service skills and previous experience in a property management environment is beneficial. You will need a confident and polite telephone manner with excellent communication skills, good attention to detail as well as a competent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience of working as an Administrator is essential. A friendly and polite approach with a positive 'nothing is too much trouble’ attitude along with oodles of common sense, exceptional time management skills and the ability to work on your own initiative as well as in a team, will all be part of your character. Please note salary will be commensurate with experience and only suitable candidates will be contacted. If you would like further information, please speak to Caroline at TemplePM on 01789 470403 or email caroline@templepm.com. TemplePM - Recruitment Specialists within the Property Sector finding positions for Block Managers, Property Managers, Estate Managers and Surveyors. If you feel that you have the right background or would like to speak with someone who understands what you do, then please speak with us at TemplePM. Contact: Caroline Tompkins Reference: Ref: 255