Tuesday 29 March 2016

Construction Sales Jobs Career Development Clinics for April

The spring is now officially here and hopefully the sunny weather will soon follow. However, if you want to put a spring in your step and give yourself a sunny smile, then the solution might be to start the process of taking the next step of your career.

So, perhaps you should take advantage of a FREE evaluation of your career, gain expert guidance on your next move and a look at suitable current vacancies too. 

Interested...? Arrange to attend our PinBuild Career Development Clinics this April. 

This could be the most important appointment of your career so far...

PinBuild Clinics are for sales and marketing professionals in the construction and building products sector, providing specialist career advice and a match to the latest construction sales vacancies.

Call us and arrange to meet one of our expert construction industry consultants on 01480 405225 or contact us via to secure your booking e-mail recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

April clinic dates
  • Thursday 7th April - Reading 
  • Tuesday 12th  April - Notts/Derby 
  • Thursday 14th April - Birmingham                - 
  • Tuesday 19th  April - Warrington 
  • Thursday 21st April - Bristol 
Our current jobs: You might find one you'd like to discuss: Search for building and construction products sales jobs

PinBuild Clinics will evaluate the job seeker’s career to date and identify the best opportunities available. The clinics provide professionals with expert advice on how to progress their career by discussing the industry sectors that have potential for growth, the skills and focus needed to ensure that they develop with the changing nature of the market and how to ensure that their career continues to progress rather than stagnating.

The clinics will also assist those that attend to map out a realistic and achievable career path, including any potential training requirements. Assistance will also be given to evaluate their CV and also their interview technique and where they should focus to ensure they realise their true potential in the building and construction industry.

We specialise in external and internal sales positions, marketing and management roles and director and board appointments with manufacturers, merchants or distributors across the whole building, construction and interiors product spectrum.

Take some time out to read about CRASH the construction industry's charity for homeless people and one of our industry partners for our charity initiative 'Helping others as you recruit.' Our other partner is the wonderful Lighthouse Club, who look after people and families from the industry who have suffered from illness, injury or death. 

Tuesday 22 March 2016

Help is at hand to increase visitors to builders merchants

Hot on the heels of Steve Rogan's recent article on supporting the independent trades, the Builders Merchants Federation have launched a new Branch Locator App with the aim of helping tradespeople find a convenient outlet anywhere in the country.

This is an excellent innovation and clearly demonstrates how technology can be a real help to tradespeople, especially with the geographical spread of many 'local' tradespeople becoming greater in recent years - sometimes a good 60 mins. from their base. It is common place that additional materials are needed on a job or those 'extra' requests which clients ask for during a job need a quick visit to a nearby merchant. This app. saves time and helps all involved.

The near 4,500 branches operated by BMF builders' merchants across the UK can all be found instantly using the app. 

Free of charge and available on Apple IOS and Android, the app enables tradespeople to search the merchants name, products sold or by their current location. Some BMF merchants also have features enabled to allow users to one-touch call and email to contact them directly or a link to their website. 

The app also has a Sat Nav feature which will show the user the quickest route to the selected merchant. BMF merchant members have also been sent a poster to display in their branches which has a QR code for customers to scan and download the app. 

Search for the latest builders merchants jobs>>

BMF MD, John Newcomb said: “This is the only free app providing information and direct access to thousands of builders merchants throughout the country.  Many tradesmen rely on their smartphone to contact merchants and order materials.  This will be a real help when they are working on site, particularly when they are away from their usual merchants. As there is no cost involved, I would urge everyone to download the app today, so it is ready on your smartphone when you need it.”

The BMF Branch Locator App can be downloaded for free here or via Apple and Android app stores. 

Tuesday 15 March 2016

CPA puts 'disappointing' construction output figures down to poor weather and skills shortages, but growth is ahead

New figures published from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) show that construction output in January fell by 0.2% and by 0.8% compared with one year earlier. In addition, the ONS’s orders data indicate that construction new orders in Q4 were 0.5% lower than Q3 but 1.4% higher than a year ago. Despite this, 2016 looks set to show steady growth for the industry.

Professor Noble Francis, Economics Director at the Construction Products Association (CPA), commented:  “The fall in the ONS’s construction output in January was disappointing but largely reflects the impacts of poor weather at the start of the year with floods in many parts of the country.  In addition, skills shortages in sectors such as house building have meant that project costs have risen and affected the viability of sites.

“This fall in output is expected to be a temporary, however, and the ONS’s construction new orders data suggest that activity should increase significantly during 2016.  Although new orders in Q4 were 0.5% lower than in Q3, they were still 1.4% higher than a year ago. Furthermore, new orders can be volatile, so it is better to look at the data within the context of the year as a whole.  New orders in 2015 were 2.8% higher than in 2014.

“Our forecasts anticipate that output will increase 3.6% in 2016, with growth in the three largest sectors of construction; private housing, commercial and infrastructure. Nevertheless, whilst fundamentals such as projects in the pipeline remain good, the risks around the forecast are quite high due to skills shortages, concern about the delivery of major projects like Hinkley Point C and increased uncertainty for investors owing to the EU referendum.”

Search for the latest Construction Sales Jobs >>

Wednesday 9 March 2016

BMA conference has the perfect 19th hole setting this year!

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association – BMA – has announced details for this year's Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference, set to take place on 3rd-4th October at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

This year's theme for the conference is 'Towards the Circular Economy', which will investigate how enterprises not in the KBB industry tackle the “corporate, social and economic consequences of cradle-to-cradle manufacturing, marketing and selling”. The BMA is currently putting together a panel of seven speakers for the conference.

“We have a superb conference-in-the-making this year,” said BMA CEO Yvonne Orgill. “BMA staff are already well ahead with the arrangements, creating another unforgettable event which pushes boundaries and changes perceptions."

“The location and theme are spot on for our industry and, as always, we will be welcoming everyone in the bathroom and kitchen industry to this, the business event of the year,” she added.

The KBB sector has been the most active sectors at Pinnacle Consulting in the last 18 months, in terms of recruiting and investing in their brand. If you are interested in developing your career in sales or marketing in the bathroom or kitchen industry, please take a look at our website or call us on 01480 405225.

Monday 7 March 2016

Construction output grows again but at its lowest rate since April 2015

The good news is the the Construction industry is yet again in growth, but the disappointing news is that the latest data from the Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) shows that the growth is the lowest since April 2015.

February data highlighted a further loss of momentum across the UK construction sector, with output, new orders and employment all expanding at slower rates than at the start of 2016.


The headline seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) registered 54.2 in February, down from 55.0 in January and the lowest since April 2015. Although still above the 50.0 value that separates expansion from contraction.


For the first time since January 2013, residential building was the worst performing sub-category of construction output. Moreover, the latest rise in housing activity was the slowest recorded since June 2013.

Growth of commercial building work also moderated in February, with the rate of expansion the softest since the election-related slowdown in May 2015. Civil engineering bucked the overall trend in February, with growth accelerating to its fastest for five months. Some firms pointed to a rebound in work on infrastructure projects.

Reports from survey respondents suggested that less favourable demand conditions and greater uncertainty about the economic outlook continued to act as a brake on the construction sector. Reflecting this, new business growth moderated for the third time in the past four months during February. The latest rise in overall volumes of new work was the slowest seen since April 2015. While construction firms noted that client spending was still generally expanding, there were some reports that business confidence had moderated in February and weighed on clients’ willingness to commit to new projects.

Softer output and new business growth resulted in weaker job creation across the UK construction sector during February. The latest rise in staffing levels was the slowest recorded since August 2013. Anecdotal evidence suggested that heightened uncertainty about the demand outlook had led to more subdued job hiring trends in February. Reflecting this, the latest survey indicated that construction firms were the least confident about the 12-month business outlook since December 2014.

Weaker projections for output growth contributed to more cautious input buying policies in February. The latest expansion of purchasing activity was the slowest for ten months. However, suppliers’ delivery times lengthened again, and at the second-strongest pace since June 2015. Construction companies noted that a squeeze on stock availability among suppliers continued to weigh on vendor performance.

Input cost inflation moderated in February and was close to its lowest seen over the past three years. Survey respondents noted that lower fuel and steel prices had helped to bring down overall cost inflation at their units.

Commenting on the report, David Noble, Group Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said:  


“The sector felt the pressure of challenging global economic conditions and softer demand growth as purchasing activity expanded at its weakest pace since April 2015. Suppliers’ delivery times got longer and some stock shortages added to their woes.


The housing sector, which once led the way with a robust performance, offered a poor show – the weakest growth for just over two-and-a-half years.

And, though overall growth was maintained, business confidence for the future was at its lowest since December 2014. The next few months will be critical to the understanding of whether this dampened optimism was justified and whether there are still more serious issues to be unearthed.”


Image credit
Two men in hard hats at construction site. Image ID:126803471. Copyright: Yuriy Rudyy
Shutterstock.com

Thursday 3 March 2016

A bit of Fry and Ecobuild!

This years' Ecobuild exhibition (8-10th March) will be a little different with the news that Stephen Fry has been announced as the special guest at the UK’s largest show dedicated to construction and energy.

The erudite writer, actor and campaigner joins a lineup of industry visionaries, leaders and experts. Stephen will be interviewed by broadcaster Will Gompertz at the culmination of the day’s conference programme on Wednesday 9 March.

The audience can expect to hear Fry’s forthright and entertaining views and insights around issues close to his heart – areas that will resonate with the Ecobuild audience. The session will afford audience members a rare opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session.

Martin Hurn, Director of Ecobuild, said: “Stephen personifies the spirit of Ecobuild to inform, entertain and inspire the industry. He is the most exciting speaker we have welcomed in Ecobuild’s history of thought leadership. We couldn’t have hoped for a better conclusion to what promises to be a fascinating day on the Ecobuild Arena.”


After the discussion, Fry will go on to host the prestigious BD Architect of the Year Awards dinner held at ExCeL that evening. Recognising excellence across 13 categories, the awards celebrate the very best practices currently operating in the UK.

For further information about Ecobuild 2016 which takes place from 8th to 10th March at London’s ExCeL, visit www.ecobuild.co.uk.

Our consultants will also be at the show, so contact us in advance, if you want to meet to discuss your career options in the building and construction products industry. 01480 405225 or recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk 

Wednesday 2 March 2016

UK Construction Sales Career Development Clinics for March 2016

The Ides of March are here....so if you'd like to make a career defining move - not involving assassinating your leader! - then you should take advantage of a FREE evaluation of your career, gain expert guidance on your next move and a look at suitable current vacancies too. 

Interested...? Let us help you...Rome wasn't built in a day after all!

Arrange to attend our PinBuild Career Development Clinics this March. This could be the most important appointment of your career so far...

PinBuild Clinics are for sales and marketing professionals in the construction and building products sector, providing specialist career advice and a match to the latest construction sales vacancies.

Call us and arrange to meet one of our expert construction industry consultants on 01480 405225 or contact us via to secure your booking e-mail recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

March clinic dates

  • Tuesday 15th March - Scotland
  • Thursday 17th March  - Taunton
  • Tuesday 22nd March -  Leeds
  • Thursday 24th March - Crawley
  • Tuesday 29th March - Warrington
  • Thursday 31st March -  Central London

Our current jobs: You might find one you'd like to discuss: Search for building and construction products sales jobs

PinBuild Clinics will evaluate the job seeker’s career to date and identify the best opportunities available. The clinics provide professionals with expert advice on how to progress their career by discussing the industry sectors that have potential for growth, the skills and focus needed to ensure that they develop with the changing nature of the market and how to ensure that their career continues to progress rather than stagnating.

The clinics will also assist those that attend to map out a realistic and achievable career path, including any potential training requirements. Assistance will also be given to evaluate their CV and also their interview technique and where they should focus to ensure they realise their true potential in the building and construction industry.

We specialise in external and internal sales positions, marketing and management roles and director and board appointments with manufacturers, merchants or distributors across the whole building, construction and interiors product spectrum.

Take some time out to read about CRASH the construction industry's charity for homeless people and one of our industry partners for our charity initiative 'Helping others as you recruit.' Our other partner is the wonderful Lighthouse Club, who look after people and families from the industry who have suffered from illness, injury or death. 

Tuesday 1 March 2016

Construction Sales Job in Focus for March - Key Account Manager for Contract Flooring products in London - £50k + bonus

Our Job in Focus for March is excellent opportunity to work for a well-known company in the flooring sector selling their products to the hotel, retail and leisure markets in London.

It is a new role being created 'Key Account Manager for Corporate End Users'. To be considered you should have had experience targeting this audience within the hotel, leisure or retail market and have ideally sold an interior / design-led product. 

Our Construction & Building Industry Job in Focus feature takes a detailed look at some of the fantastic sales & marketing construction and building materials job vacancies currently on our books. Job in Focus is also promoted on our website. www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk 


Job Title: Key Account Manager - Corporate End Users
Job Ref: J7036
Product: Flooring
Location: London & South East
Salary: £50k

EMPLOYER: Our client are at the forefront of design and innovation within the floor coverings marketplace specialising in projects within the high end hospitality, leisure and retail sectors. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Key Account Manager Corporate End Users: Due to continued success and growth two new roles have been created focused on winning new business with key corporate end users. The successful people will be tasked with gaining sales of contract flooring with prestigious companies within the London hospitality and leisure markets. These KAM's will find be charged with identifying new customers and developing and implementing plans to convert them to regular customers and then transfer them to the account management team. Additionally, the KAM's will collaborate with colleagues on projects which are interconnected to ensure the company is in the best position to win the business. 

LOCATION: London - so you must live within the M25 or close to it in Middlesex, Greater London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Essex and Hampshire 

CANDIDATE: To be considered for this role you need to have had experience targeting key corporate end users within the hotel, leisure or retail market and have ideally sold an interior / design-led product. You must also show you are a self-motivated new business winner capable of working with decision makers at all levels. Furthermore, this person must prove they have successfully worked in a KPI focused environment and be used to smashing sales targets. 

PACKAGE: On offer is a basic salary of up to £50,000 plus an excellent bonus structure and company benefits including car, pension, healthcare, mobile phone, laptop and 24 days plus bank holidays. 

For further information or to discuss your career options in more detail contact Natalie Matthews on 01480 405225 or apply online.


Search for more building products sales jobs >>>