When people think of Devon, they often picture rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and a slower pace of life. But if you talk to anyone working in the skilled trades right now, they’ll tell you a completely different story. There is a quiet economic powerhouse carving its way through the county, and it runs directly along the M5 corridor.
From Exeter up through Cullompton (where our Paramount Personnel HQ is based) and onward to the Somerset border, the M5 corridor has become a massive hotspot for career growth. Fueled by major regional investments, a surge in housing demand, and a reimagined vision for South West tourism, two industries are leading the charge: Construction and Hospitality.
If you are a skilled tradesperson, a site manager, or a hospitality professional, the M5 corridor isn’t just a stretch of tarmac—it’s the fast track to your next big career move.
The Construction Boom: Building the Future of the South West
The Devon and Torbay Local Growth Plan outlines a massive 10-year vision for the region, placing a major focus on infrastructure, sustainable growth, and tackling housing availability head-on. Because the M5 corridor offers unparalleled connectivity, it has become the natural focal point for this development.
We are seeing a perfect storm of construction activity along the motorway:
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Residential Developments: New communities and affordable housing schemes are popping up around key junctions to accommodate Devon’s growing population.
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Commercial & Industrial Hubs: Logistics hubs and green-energy manufacturing sites are expanding rapidly, requiring robust, industrial-scale builds.
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The “Green Shift”: There is a soaring demand for tradespeople skilled in eco-friendly builds, retrofitting, and renewable energy installations.
Top In-Demand Construction Roles right now:
Skilled Trades: Carpenters, bricklayers, electricians, and plumbers.
Site Management: Experienced Site Managers and Project Managers who can keep large-scale builds on time and on budget.
Plant Operators & Labour: Reliable groundworkers and ticketed machine operators.
The Hospitality Evolution: More Than Just a Summer Season
Historically, hospitality in Devon was highly seasonal. You worked flat-out in July and August, and things quieted down by November. Not anymore.
Thanks to strategic initiatives like the Visit Devon Growth Plan, the region is actively extending its visitor season and transforming into a year-round destination. The M5 corridor serves as the primary gateway for millions of visitors, which has sparked a massive wave of investment in high-end hotels, gastro-pubs, boutique retreats, and roadside hospitality hubs right off the junctions.
Furthermore, because major towns along the M5 are growing, local food and beverage scenes are thriving 12 months a year. Restaurants and venues aren’t just looking for casual summer help; they are looking for career-driven professionals to form the backbone of their businesses.
Top In-Demand Hospitality Roles right now:
Kitchen Talent: Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, and ambitious Commis Chefs looking to climb the culinary ladder.
Management: Front of House Managers, Restaurant Managers, and General Managers with a passion for exceptional service.
Specialist Roles: Event coordinators and high-volume catering staff.
Why Choose the M5 Corridor for Your Career?
Choosing where to base your trade career is all about balancing job security with quality of life. The M5 corridor offers the ultimate sweet spot:
| Benefit | What it means for you |
| Consistent Work Pipeline | With long-term regional growth plans stretching well into the next decade, the work isn’t drying up anytime soon. |
| Unmatched Connectivity | Working along the M5 means easy commutes. You can live in a beautiful rural Devon village but easily commute to a major site or venue in Exeter, Taunton and more. |
| Competitive Pay | The sheer demand for skilled talent means businesses are offering excellent rates and packages to secure the best people. |
How Paramount Personnel Connects You to the Best Opportunities
At Paramount Personnel, we live and breathe South West recruitment. Situated just two minutes off Junction 28 of the M5 in Cullompton, we are quite literally at the heart of this boom.
Because we specialise specifically in Hospitality and Construction, we don’t just pass your CV along—we understand the nuances of your trade. We know which sites are looking for reliable carpenters, which kitchens are hunting for a new Head Chef, and who is offering the best day rates or salary packages.
Whether you’re looking for a permanent career move, a long-term contract, or flexible temporary work to fit your lifestyle, the M5 corridor is open for business.
Ready to see what’s out there for you? Browse our latest Construction and Hospitality vacancies or upload your CV today at Paramount Personnel. Let’s build your future in Devon together.
