Tech Talent Insights & Trends – 2025: Permanent Hiring in the London Market and Specialty Insurance Sector
We explore the most current developments and trends influencing the tech talent market in 2025, with expert commentary from Alex Holliday, Director of Permanent Recruitment at Pioneer Search.
The London Specialty Insurance tech sector is stabilising into a more cautious and strategic phase. Employers are now prioritising permanent hires who can combine technical expertise with business insight and adapt to hybrid working models, supporting long-term innovation and regulatory compliance in a cost-conscious market.
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Permanent Hiring Summary
Alex Holliday
Director – Permanent Recruitment – Pioneer Search
The permanent job market in 2025 is stable but cautious. Salary expectations have recalibrated after the post-pandemic inflationary surge, and hiring is now driven by strategic value, not volume. Employers are more selective, prioritising roles that unlock efficiency, innovation, or compliance advantages.
Key Trends
- Hiring cycles are longer and more deliberate, with a sharper focus on budget alignment and ROI.
- Hybrid working remains a baseline candidate expectation, even as leadership pushes for more office presence.
- Permanent teams are increasingly supported by contract resource during peak transformation periods.
Looking Ahead to 2025
- Demand will grow for professionals who can support system modernisation, automation, and AI integration.
- Cross-functional skills and adaptability will be key, especially in hybrid or matrixed environments.
- Employers will favour candidates who combine technical acumen with business context, capable of operating in lean, agile teams.
Highly Sought-After Permanent Skills
- AI & Automation Engineers, particularly those streamlining underwriting and claims processes
- Data & Analytics Leaders, able to span Operations, Finance, and Risk
- Software Developers skilled in C#, .Net, Azure, and low-code platforms (e.g., Power Platform)
- Cloud Migration Specialists with Azure leading the way in EC3
- Business Analysts with strong regulatory transformation experience (Blueprint Two, DORA)
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Looking ahead, Alex Holliday stresses that success in permanent hiring depends on balancing strategic workforce planning with evolving candidate expectations around hybrid working and cross-functional adaptability.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of salary benchmarks, hiring trends, and in-demand skills in the permanent market, Alex and the Pioneer Search team offer the 2025 Tech Talent Salary Guide from Nexus Connect, providing detailed, actionable insights.
Download the guide today to access these insights and ensure your recruitment decisions are informed, strategic, and aligned with market realities.
To discuss how to attract and retain permanent professionals who will drive innovation and growth, contact Alex Holliday, Director of Permanent Recruitment at Pioneer Search. Alex specialises in connecting businesses with top talent tailored to their long-term needs.
