State of the Market in 2025
When we break the mission critical market into four key sectors, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, data centres, and energy storage, distinct patterns emerge in each area. Over the past year, most of our work has focused on European projects, with the region experiencing significantly higher activity than the UK overall.
Analysing our placements, data centres have been the strongest-performing sector in 2025, while pharmaceutical projects were particularly busy prior to the
Covid-19 pandemic. Across all sectors, there has been a noticeable shift in activity toward Europe, where projects tend to be larger and more complex compared with those in the UK.
Biggest shifts in 2025
One of the most notable changes I’ve observed in 2025 is the shift in where buildings are being constructed.
Data centres
are increasingly being located based on access to power rather than proximity to end users.
This trend has surprised many in the industry, as projects were traditionally driven by user location. Today, energy availability has become the primary factor, influencing site selection, project planning, and even hiring strategies.
Hiring Activity in 2025
Hiring in 2025 has shifted compared with previous years. Where the focus was once on quickly getting people on site to keep projects moving, clients, particularly on critical projects, are now taking more time and being selective about who they bring on.
It’s no longer just about filling roles; it’s about finding the right candidates for the right projects. Companies are prioritising quality, ensuring that new hires have the expertise and experience needed to deliver complex projects effectively and safely.
Roles and Skills in the Highest Demand in 2025
The roles in highest demand this year have largely been commissioning positions, particularly within data centres. There has been a notable increase in high-voltage work, which is critical for understanding how power is incorporated into projects and integrated across systems.
In the pharmaceutical sector, demand has been strong for estimating, pricing, and commercial roles, especially those related to tendering. With new pharmaceutical projects expected to begin next year, this demand is likely to grow further.
Data centre design roles have also been in
high demand. Across all sectors, organisations are looking for professionals who can combine technical expertise with effective project delivery skills.
New Skill Requirements Emerging
Over the past 12 months, there has been a clear emergence of skills focused on AI integration and designing for energy and carbon efficiency.
Candidates who can deliver projects that are both technically robust and sustainable are increasingly in demand. This trend is especially pronounced in data centres, where AI-driven design considerations are becoming integral to core project requirements. Sustainability and carbon-conscious design have now become key differentiators for candidates in the mission-critical market.
Most Active Regions and Markets in 2025
In the UK, science hubs such as
Oxford and Cambridgeshire
have been particularly active, especially for data centre projects. The Greater London area, including Slough and central London, has also seen significant activity.
Across Europe, the Nordic and Central European regions have experienced a substantial influx of projects. Overall, Europe has been the busiest region to work in during 2025. This focus reflects a combination of available power, strong infrastructure, and strategically advantageous project locations, which continue to attract major developments.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead, I expect continued growth across all mission-critical sectors in 2026. Some major cities may face challenges due to power shortages, which could influence the location and development of new projects.
Unlike two to three years ago, success will no longer be measured simply by getting people on site. The focus will be on mobilising the right candidates for the right roles and ensuring projects are delivered effectively, compliantly, and efficiently. While growth will continue, it will increasingly depend on placing specialists capable of managing complex, high-impact projects.
2025 has been a dynamic year for the mission-critical market. Europe has emerged as the busiest region, data centres continue to drive activity, and hiring has become increasingly selective. Roles in high demand include commissioning, high-voltage work, commercial and estimating positions, and data centre design. Emerging skills in AI integration and sustainable, energy-efficient design are shaping the future of the market.
Looking ahead to 2026, growth is expected to continue, but success will hinge on deploying the right people in the right projects. For anyone involved in mission-critical recruitment or project delivery, understanding these trends will be essential to staying ahead.
Want to stay ahead in the mission-critical market in 2026
Our
Mission Critical team
at V7 Recruitment can guide you through the latest trends.
