As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that this has been one of the most significant and purposeful years in the history of GCS Associates. Across the construction supplies and building materials sector, the year has been defined by change, challenge and opportunity—and throughout it all, our focus has remained firmly on people, insight and long-term value.
From market intelligence and thought leadership to industry events, diversity initiatives and talent development, 2025 has reinforced our role as a trusted partner to clients and candidates alike.
Understanding the State of the Industry
Early in the year, our Construction Supplies Market Insight Survey set the tone for many of the conversations that followed. The findings highlighted ongoing pressures around skills shortages, margin control and succession planning, while also underlining a renewed focus on leadership capability and future-proofing businesses.
Our State of the Industry 2025 report, produced in partnership with Builders’ Merchant, provided a clear snapshot of the priorities shaping decision-making across the sector. It reinforced what we hear daily in conversations with clients: resilience, adaptability and people strategy are now inseparable from commercial success.
Talent, Leadership and the Future Workforce
A recurring theme throughout 2025 has been the importance of leadership and long-term talent pipelines. Our Spotlight on Leadership interview with Louise Williams offered valuable insight into modern leadership within the plumbing and heating sector, while our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week reinforced the critical role early-career talent plays in sustaining the industry.
We also explored the challenge of bridging the talent gap in building materials, addressing how businesses must think differently about attraction, development and retention if they are to compete in an increasingly complex employment market.
Celebrating People and Progress
At GCS Associates, recruitment has always been about people, and 2025 gave us plenty to celebrate.
We were delighted to welcome David Hopkinson as Client Services Director, strengthening our senior leadership team and enhancing the support and strategic guidance we provide to clients across the sector. His experience and insight have already added significant value to our partnerships.
We also welcomed Andrew Prosser as Non-Executive Director, further strengthening our strategic governance and reinforcing our long-term vision.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion was showcased at the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards, where we proudly sponsored and celebrated the Diversity Award—recognising organisations and individuals driving positive change across the industry.
Industry Engagement and Events
Throughout the year, the GCS team remained highly visible across the sector. From UK Construction Week Birmingham and Construction Week 2025 to the BMF Annual Conference, Awards and HR Forum, we were delighted to engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the industry.
These events are more than dates in the diary—they are opportunities to listen, learn and contribute. Whether discussing future workforce planning, digital transformation or leadership succession, the depth of insight shared across these platforms continues to shape our approach as a recruitment partner.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Beyond recruitment, 2025 also reminded us of the importance of giving back. Our team’s involvement in environmental and community initiatives, including conservation and tree-planting projects, reflects our belief that responsible business extends beyond the workplace.
As we move into 2026, the message from 2025 is clear: the construction supplies sector is evolving, and success will belong to those who invest in people, insight and sustainable leadership.
At GCS Associates, we remain committed to supporting that journey – connecting exceptional talent with forward-thinking businesses and helping shape the future of our industry.
