Construction recruiter Bromak says there are positive signs that the nation's building-skills shortage will soon ease.

Martyn Makinson , director of Manchester-based Bromak, said: "Things are changing. The industry is attracting graduates to positions such as quantity surveyors, and salaries are increasing. Also, school children are beginning to be attracted to it as a career again."

Despite the shortages and tough competition, Bromak's business has continued to grow. The company opened two regional offices in Manchester and Newcastle-under-Lyme in 2006 and plans to open offices in Preston, Sheffield and the East Midlands next year.

Makinson admits the company is following the business model of Hays, opening regional offices rather than 'super-offices', so it is on the doorstep of its customers and candidates.

"We spent our first few years getting everything into place," said director David Brooks. "We wanted to get everything right, then consolidate our position. In the next few years we want to expand and compete with the big boys."

Bromak has invested heavily in IT, with an integrated website, database and online timesheet system.

The company says it is capitalising on regeneration work in the sector, through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Decent Homes and Building Better Schools initiatives.