If you've ever wondered how recruitment agencies work — or you’ve been contacted by a recruiter and weren’t sure what to expect — this article breaks it all down.

At Enterprise Recruitment, we connect top talent with the right opportunities while helping businesses build great teams. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, here’s how the process works and how we can help.

What Does a Recruitment Agency Do?

Recruitment agencies act as a bridge between employers and job seekers. We’re hired by companies to help them fill job vacancies — whether permanent, temporary, or contract-based — by sourcing and screening suitable candidates.

At Enterprise Recruitment, we don’t just match CVs to job descriptions. We focus on understanding people, business goals, and long-term fit.

How the Recruitment Process Works

1. The Employer Shares the Vacancy

A company reaches out to us with details of a role they need to fill — including job title, responsibilities, required skills, and salary range.

We also provide market insights, salary benchmarking, and hiring advice to help them attract the right people.

2. We Source Candidates

Using our network, databases, job boards, and LinkedIn, we identify suitable candidates — both those actively job-hunting and those open to the right opportunity.

We also often reach out to passive candidates who aren’t applying elsewhere.

3. We Screen and Interview

Before introducing anyone to a client, we:

• Review CVs

• Conduct initial interviews

• Assess cultural fit

• Check references if needed

Only the strongest, most relevant candidates are put forward.

4. The Client Reviews and Interviews

We present the shortlisted candidates and help arrange interviews. We also collect feedback on both sides and support any adjustments or second stages.

5. Offer and Onboarding

When the client makes an offer, we help:

• Negotiate the package

• Manage timelines and start dates

• Support onboarding for a smooth transition

We stay in touch with both sides to make sure everything goes to plan.

Why Work With Enterprise Recruitment?

For Employers:

• Save time and resources — we handle the hard part

• Get access to pre-screened, high-quality candidates

• Receive honest market insight and salary guidance

• Hire faster and more confidently

For Candidates:

• Our services are 100% free for you

• Gain access to jobs not advertised publicly

• Receive CV and interview support

• Work with a recruiter who actually listens

Permanent vs Contract Recruitment

We support:

• Permanent placements – for long-term hires across various industries

• Contract/interim roles – perfect for project-based or short-term needs

Whether you’re building a team or looking for your next contract, we tailor our approach to suit your goals.

Choosing the Right Recruitment Partner

There are a lot of agencies out there — so what makes a good one?

At Enterprise Recruitment, we:

• Specialise in matching people, not just profiles

• Prioritise long-term relationships over short-term wins

• Communicate openly, honestly, and quickly

Most of our clients and candidates return to us — not just because of our results, but because we make the process simple and transparent.

Recruitment doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right agency, it can actually be straightforward — and even enjoyable.

At Enterprise Recruitment, we’re here to help you take the next step — whether that’s hiring the right person or landing the right job.

Whether you're hiring or job hunting, get in touch with our team today.

Hiring Contractors: The Essentials for UK Employers

If you're hiring a contractor, understanding legal and tax obligations is essential. Here are the must-know basics to keep your business compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

1. IR35: Know the Status

IR35 determines whether a contractor should be taxed like an employee. If a contractor is essentially working as a full-time employee — under direction, control, and without the right of substitution — HMRC may classify them as "inside IR35".

• Inside IR35: Treated like an employee for tax purposes. Full tax and National Insurance must be deducted.

• Outside IR35: Operates as a true business. May take income through salary and dividends.

Who decides the status?

• Public sector and medium/large private companies: You (the client) must assess IR35.

• Small private companies: The contractor is responsible.

Get this wrong, and liability sits with you — not the contractor.

2. Engagement Route: Umbrella vs Limited 

You must agree how the contractor will be paid:

• Umbrella company: They are employed by the umbrella, and paid through PAYE.

• Limited company: Contractor operates their own PSC (personal service company) — allowed only if outside IR35.

This choice impacts tax, compliance and administrative responsibility.

3. Contract & Compliance Essentials

Make sure your contract includes:

• Clear deliverables or scope of work

• Start and end dates

• Payment terms (day/hourly rate)

• IR35 status (and supporting status determination statement if needed)

• Notice period

• Confidentiality and IP clauses

Also ensure:

• Right to work checks are completed

• The contractor (or umbrella) holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance

4. Understand the Cost Model

Contractors:

• Are paid only for time worked

• Do not receive holiday, pension, or sick pay (unless umbrella-employed)

• Typically command higher day/hourly rates than permanent staff

5. Offboarding & Handover

Before the contract ends, consider:

• Will you extend?

• Is a handover or documentation needed?

• Has access been removed and IP secured?

Final Word

Contractors can offer speed, skill, and flexibility — but only if your processes and compliance are solid. IR35 is non-negotiable. If you're unsure, get expert help.

Need clarity or support with contractor hiring? We’re here to help.

In 2025, Software Engineers and Photonics/Optics Specialists top the UK engineering salary charts.

That said, skilled professionals in Electronics, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Engineering are also earning strong salaries, especially in sectors like AI, defense, renewables, and EVs.

 2025 UK Engineering Salaries by Discipline 

 What's Driving High Salaries?

• Software Engineers are in demand for AI, machine learning, and robotics roles. 

• Photonics/Optics Engineers are seeing demand spike in defense, sensing, and laser systems.

• Electronics Engineers are vital in everything from embedded systems to EVs and smart devices.

• Mechanical Engineers are being pulled into renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and EV design.

• Manufacturing Engineers with lean and automation skills are especially valuable in aerospace and medtech sectors.

Highest-Paying Niche Roles

• AI/ML Software Engineers (£70K base, £100K+ total)

• Photonics Engineers in London (£90K–£110K)

• Embedded Software Engineers (£60K–£75K+)

• Mechatronics / Robotics specialists (£55K–£65K+)

• Senior Mechanical Engineers in EV and aerospace (£65K+)

 2025 Market Outlook

Engineering salaries in the UK are being influenced by:

• Growth in AI and automation

• Increased government and private investment in defense & photonics

• The green transition (EVs, renewables)

• Shortages of skilled engineers in software and electronics

Final Takeaway

If you're looking to hire in engineering, or want to benchmark your salary as a candidate, understanding these salary trends is crucial.

Explore More

Browse Engineering Jobs Now     Talk to a Specialist Recruiter

Need help hiring or job seeking in Software, Mechanical, or Photonics? Get in touch with us for market insight, live job roles, and top talent across the UK.

Sources: Business Insider, ERI, LinkedIn Jobs, Reddit UK Engineers Thread, Adzuna, Coursera

Are you curious about the current salary trends for DevOps Engineers in the UK? Whether you're an employee checking if your earnings are on par with industry standards or an employer aiming to offer competitive salaries, our detailed salary survey provides the insights you need. Explore the comprehensive breakdown of salary ranges across various regions below.

MIDLANDS

Junior £30,000 – £40,000  |  Mid-£45,000 – £65,000  |  Senior £65,000 – £85,000  | 

NORTH EAST

Junior £28,000 – £35,000  |  Mid-Level: £45,000 – £60,000 |  Senior: £60,000 – £75,000

NORTH WEST

Junior: £30,000 – £40,000  |  Mid-Level: £50,000 – £65,000  |  Senior: £70,000 – £90,00

SCOTLAND

Junior: £30,000 – £40,000 | Mid-Level: £45,000 – £65,000  | Senior: £75,000 – £100,0000+

WALES

Junior: £25,000 – £35,000  |  Mid-Level: £40,000 – £55,000  | Senior: £60,000 – £75,000

SOUTH EAST

Junior:  £30,000 – £40,000  | Mid-Level: £50,000 – £70,000 | Senior: £70,000 – £90,000+

SOUTH WEST

Junior: £30,000 – £40,000 | Mid-Level: £45,000 – £60,000  | Senior :£65,000 – £90,000+

EAST ANGLIA

Junior: £30,000 – £45,000  |  Mid-Level: £50,000 – £70,000  | Senior: £70,000 – £100,000+

YORKSHIRE

Junior: £30,000 – £40,000 | Mid-Level: £50,000 – £65,000 | Senior: £70,000 – £90,000+

(Wide range due to high cost of living and varied industries)

Is it a match?

Is your existing salary aligned with the standards for your job position? Are you an employer concerned about competitive salaries and what you should be paying? Let us help!

If you're interested in exploring new career options, please submit your CV. Alternatively, if you need support with recruitment, or would like free salary benchmarking across the entire business, submit a vacancy or give us a call!

Please note, these salaries are based on estimation, if you would like a more accurate salary for your business, please get in touch!

Does Hybrid Work, Work?

In one of our previous webinars, we brought together our clients to explore a key question facing many businsesses today: Does hybrid working really work?

We covered:

• Key Insights
• Top Benefits
• Common Challenges

Key takeaways from our engineering clients

• There is no one-size-fits-all solution
• Balance between flexibility and productivity is crucial
• Trust is foundational - treat people like adults
• The right hybrid model can solve business challenges 
• There's a growing trend towards full-time on-site productivity
• Clear objectives, priorities, and regular meetings are essential 

If you're considering implementing a hybrid working model - or adjusting your existing approach - check out our latest resourse to see what others in the industry are saying. 

Download the full document here

In Q1, we conducted a comprehensive benefits survey by asking every candidate we engaged with about their expectations and preferences. We also analysed the benefits packages offered by all our clients.

All of the clients we surveyed are from a high tech/engineering background.

By combining both perspectives, we were able to identify which benefits are most in demand in today’s market — providing valuable insight into what truly attracts and retains talent.

One standout insight?

➡️ Hybrid working is significantly more common in larger companies.

"Hybrid Working" is extensively adopted, with higher adoption rates observed among larger companies. This likely stems from post-pandemic operational shifts, where large companies have more resources to implement and support hybrid systems.

It also reflects changing employee expectations for flexibility and autonomy in their working arrangements.

That’s just one small piece of the full picture.

If you would like a complimentary review of your benefits package and insights into how they compare,Get in touch!

You can download the full copy of the survey here!

Looking for the best places in the UK to maximize your earnings as a Mechanical Design Engineers?

We’ve compiled a list of the top-paying locations, along with house prices in those areas and a salary-to-house-price ratio to help you see where you can make your money go further!

Newcastle:

• Average House Price: £235,000
• Average Salary: £32,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 7.23

Birmingham:

• Average House Price: £255,000
• Average Salary: £42,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 6.0

Southampton:

• Average House Price: £288,000
• Average Salary: £43,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 6.7

Edinburgh:

• Average House Price: £345,000
• Average Salary: £36,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio:9.58

Bristol:

• Average House Price 395,000
• Average Salary: £38,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 10.26

Oxford:

• Average House Price: £485,000
• Average Salary: £42,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 11.41

Cambridge:

• Average House Price: £510,000
• Average Salary: £42,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 12

London:

• Average House Price: £685,00
• Average Salary: £50,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 13.7

Do you want more for your money?

Let’s connect and help you get paid what you deserve!

Start exploring high-paying roles with us today!

Looking to refine your process and build the dream team?

For the past two years, we’ve exhibited at Hardware Pioneers in London — a fantastic opportunity to meet the brilliant minds shaping the future of electronics.

This year, our Director Jamie Harris took to the stage to share his talk, “Building the Dream Team.” 

He delivered practical, engaging advice on the five key pillars every team should follow to reach their full potential — including how to refine the recruitment process, from interviews to culture fit.

If you would like to improve any elements of your process, reach out to Jamie, he would be happy to help!

Looking for the best places in the UK to maximize your earnings as a Hardware Design Engineer?

We’ve compiled a list of the top-paying locations, along with house prices in those areas and a salary-to-house-price ratio to help you see where you can make your money go further!

Newcastle:

• Average House Price: £230,470
• Average Salary: £50,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 4.61

Birmingham:

• Average House Price: £250,190
• Average Salary: £55,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 4.55

Southampton:

• Average House Price: £283,000
• Average Salary: £58,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 4.84

Edinburgh:

• Average House Price: £336,000
• Average Salary: £50,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 6.72

Bristol:

• Average House Price 390,000
• Average Salary: £55,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 7.09

Oxford:

• Average House Price: £474,000
• Average Salary: £58,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 8.10

Cambridge:

• Average House Price: £500,000
• Average Salary: £55,000
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 9.09

London:

• Average House Price: £673,00
• Average Salary: £62,500
• House Price to Salary Ratio: 10.77

Do you want more for your money?

Let’s connect and help you get paid what you deserve!

Start exploring high-paying roles with us today!

Are you curious about the current salary trends for Mechanical Design Engineers in the UK? Whether you're an employee checking if your earnings are on par with industry standards or an employer aiming to offer competitive salaries, our detailed salary survey provides the insights you need. Explore the comprehensive breakdown of salary ranges across various regions below.

Midlands:

Junior: £21,000 - £30,000 | Mid-Level: £36,000 - £50,000 | Senior: £48,000 - £70,000

North East:

Junior: £20,000 - £32,000 | Mid-Level: £27,000 - £38,000 | Senior: £45,000 - £65,000

North West:

Junior: £22,000 - £32,000 | Mid-Level: £36,000 - £48,000 | Senior: £50,000 - £73,000

Scotland:

Junior: £21,000 - £30,000 | Mid-Level: £37,000 - £52,000 | Senior: £48,000 - £72,000

Wales:

Junior: £21,000 - £30,000 | Mid-Level: £38,000 - £50,000 | Senior: £47,000 - £70,000

South East:

Junior: £24,000 - £33,000 | Mid-Level: £40,000 - £55,000 | Senior: £55,000 - £80,000

South West:

Junior: £22,000 - £31,000 | Mid-Level: £37,000 - £52,000 | Senior: £50,000 - £75,000

East Anglia:

Junior: £23,000 - £32,000 | Mid-Level: £38,000 - £50,000 | Senior: £50,000 - £70,000

Yorkshire:

Junior: £22,000 - £32,000 | Mid-Level: £40,000 - £54,000 | Senior: £50,000 - £74,000

London:

Junior: £25,000 - £35,000 | Mid-Level: £35,000 - £60,000 | Senior: £60,000 - £90,000

(Wide range due to high cost of living and varied industries)

 It is important to remember that these are average ranges, and there will be outliers

Is it a match?

Is your existing salary aligned with the standards for your job position? Are you an employer concerned about competitive salaries and what you should be paying? Let us help!

If you're interested in exploring new career options, please submit your CV. Alternatively, if you need support with recruitment, or would like free salary benchmarking across the entire business, submit a vacancy or give us a call!

Please note, these salaries are based on estimation, if you would like a more accurate salary for your business, please get in touch!