Tuesday 26 July 2016

Spread a little happiness in the industry

Brexit is being blamed for anything and everything at the moment, and whilst there is no doubt that the decision made in the recent referendum will change things, if you listened to, and believed all the talk of doom and gloom, you’d think the world was about to end.

It is important to remember that Britain is still building, we still have a strong economy, and the world is still spinning. When it stops, that’ll be the time to worry, not now.

In fact, some of the major institutions are already changing their tune with regards to the economic outlook, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who is now predicting that the British economy will grow at a faster rate than both Germany and France in the next two years - 1.7 % this year and 1.3 % next year. This is a little different than their predictions of just a few weeks ago that a recession would be the cause of Brexit.

This means that far from being a declining country, struggling to keep up with some of the major worldwide economies, the UK is still set to be the second-fastest growing economy in the G7 group of industrialised nations during 2016 (behind the USA) and third-fastest next year, behind the USA and Canada.

The message from the Treasury is also clear, as shown in their recent statement: “Our country remains open for business. We are the same outward-looking, globally-minded,   big-thinking country we have always been.”

At Pinnacle Consulting, when we look at the number of new positions on our books and compare them with the same period during the last couple of years, it is just as strong and confirms that the confidence of many of the companies in the industry is still positive and looking towards growth.

As an overall industry, construction has always been forward thinking, adopting new technologies, manufacturing methods and materials, and leading the way with implementing legislation for both safety and sustainability with the product solutions to meet them.

The demand for our countries’ products and people will remain high and there is a real possibility of the potential opportunities available being even greater, as although some doors will close, more will open. However, our industry has always thrived on the skills and ideas of those who decide to come and work here too, and we must ensure that we find a way to embrace the innovation and knowledge they bring us.

The UK has many building and construction targets to reach and the demand for housing stock is still there. Inland Homes (the housebuilder and brownfield regeneration specialist) said last week, that the location of its operations – in Amersham, Buckinghamshire – and the pricing of its homes (£339,000 on average) meant that the business had continued to experience a solid level of enquiries from potential buyers during the 12 months ending June 30 2016. These fundamentals were not affected by the uncertainty preceding the EU referendum with buyer appetite since the   result remaining “stable,” Inland’s statement read.

Stephen Wicks, Inland’s CEO, commented: “We are confident that our underlying business is extremely robust and the demand for our high quality, lower cost homes remains strong.”
  
Despite the uncertainty causing some major construction or infrastructure projects to be put on hold or delayed, we need to have confidence in both our industry and our country to make us even stronger, despite our exit from the EU.

The industry is faced with big opportunities and so it must move forward with confidence. It is vitally important that the uncertainty does not lead to panic buying at low prices, so manufacturers and buyers must look at quality and innovation as being paramount in their strategic outlook. The companies that continue to offer differentiation will be the ones that grow both domestically and globally, and help the industry to remain a vibrant and developing one.

However, key to this is a real need for us to be seen as a global partner, looking to expand our reach, our expertise, our guidance, as well as having a willingness to welcome, learn from, and work with, other economies and specialists from all over the world.


There is a maxim called ‘The Law of Attraction’ which states that "like attracts like" i.e. - by focusing on positive or negative thoughts a person brings positive or negative experiences into their life. This belief is based on the idea that people and their thoughts are both made from "pure energy", and the belief that like energy attracts like energy.

We want to encourage everyone to spread a positive message and start to remove the toxic negative energy trying to destroy the economy and our industry.

So our message is clear: the foundations of our industry are still in place, and we should continue to build on it in order to thrive and prosper. We must not let Brexit deconstruct all the hard work and progress the industry has made over the last few years. So join us and get into a positive mindset and spread it everywhere you go.

The world is still spinning and Britain in still aiming to build higher than ever, so spread a little happiness as you go by…

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Kitchen installations and sales are set to climb to a new high in 2016

Good news for the KBB sector with 2016 set to be a record year in terms of kitchen sales and installations, driven mainly by the refurbishment market, according to the 2016 Overview Report by JKMR, with numbers already having exceeded 1.1million last year for installations last year.

The report expects Kitchen sales to grow, anticipating the market to reach £3.7bn in value this year, having already grown by 8% last year to reach £3.5bn. However, JKMR notes that “external factors” will have some impact on growth rates, but the market still looks positive despite slowing growth.

The owner-occupier refurbishment market is still the dominant sales driver in the industry, the report found, with the sector commanding a 57% share of installations by client type in 2015, rising by 7.5%.

See the latest KBB sales jobs>>

The report also found that the number of kitchen retailers in the UK increased slightly last year thanks to “new store openings by Howden and Benchmarx off-setting B&Q and Homebase closures”. However, independents still command the largest market share, accounting for more than 40% of total market value. But despite a slight increase in 2015, store numbers are expected to drop in the next few years, JKMR said.

“JKMR analysis shows the market in 2015 saw owner-occupier refurb sales continue to grow, while sales to new build showed notable improvement, driving through growth for companies supplying the direct contract and trade sectors,” the report said. “All product sectors saw growth of at least 6.5%; but the sink/tap sector did particularly well, with sector growth in excess of 10%.”


Photo: Stock Photo: Woman picking oven for domestic kitchen in studio or furniture store
Image ID:231988105Copyright: Kzenon. Via Shutterstock.

Saturday 16 July 2016

BMF calls for construction industry Brexit talks with new Government

With the fallout from Brexit still causing concern and uncertainty on many areas of society, industry and business, the Builders Merchants Federation is calling for urgent talks with the government over the impact of Brexit on the construction industry. 

Following the appointment of the new Prime Minister, the BMF has written to key Ministers to highlight the urgency and importance to the UK economy and jobs of the construction sector. 

The BMF has welcomed the new Prime Minister, Teresa May's early pledge that the new government will prioritise housebuilding, but is calling for a clear plan from the Government that includes: 

  • Assurances of continued support for housebuilding, investment in infrastructure to unlock sites, and further reforms to speed up the planning process 
  • Recognition of the importance of investing in apprenticeships and other skills development in the industry to build a workforce for the future, taking account of the impact of the possible end of free movement. 
  • Guarantees that the construction industry will be consulted about the impact of the transition to operating within a potential UK only framework, including new product standards and a possible return to the emphasis on the British Kite Mark 
  • Confirmation that the BMF along with other key industry bodies, including the FMB and the CPA, will be consulted and involved in a dialogue with the government as Brexit talks and negotiation develops. 

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: "Construction is hugely important for the UK economy and it is vital that the industry is prioritised and consulted by the government as Brexit plans develop. 

We want to hear concrete commitments from the government to support housebuilding. It is also critical that we are involved in planning for the potential end of free movement, so that we have the skilled workforce ready that we will need for the future. 

We have had very constructive relations with David Cameron's government and we are looking forward to working closely with the new government". 

Tuesday 12 July 2016

NEW Job in Focus: Head of Sales (DIY Sector) for award winning Bathroom Products brand - £75k

Our new Job in Focus is fantastic opportunity to work for a supplier of luxury, award winning and innovative bathroom products. As Head of Sales (DIY Sector) you would be responsible for growing and developing brand awareness and sales in this competitive market place. 

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:
Head of Sales - DIY Sector

Job Ref: J7814
Product: Bathroom Products
Location: National
Salary: £75k

LUXURY KBB BRAND SEEKS HEAD OF DIY TO DRIVE SALES THROUGH MAJOR CHAINS 

PACKAGE: £40K-£75K plus 23% bonus, company car, healthcare, pension, mobile phone, laptop and 25 days plus bank holidays 

EMPLOYER: Arguably one of the leading brands in the bathroom sector and prize-winners of numerous sustainability and innovation awards. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF DIY: Reporting to the UK General Manager this role is focused on leading the sales growth of the company's DIY marketshare by working in collaboration with the sales team and marketing departments to gain new business opportunities and grow existing accounts. Other responsibilities include delivering measurable business benefits over the short, medium and longer term, as well as reporting on customer, market and competitor activity, raising market awareness of DIY products, services and solutions and being the single point of contact within the company for the DIY sector. 

AREA: Covering nationally but with a focus on London and the South East this person should live in London, Greater London, Middlesex, Kent, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, North Somerset or Dorset 

PERSON: To be considered for this position you need to be a high calibre field sales professional with experience targeting the DIY market. The client will either consider a KAM manager looking to take a step up into a NAM role or an existing NAM but it is key that you have managed business with the major DIY chains. Additionally, you should be a team player and an excellent rapport builder from within the construction sales market. 

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

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

Monday 11 July 2016

Is Brexit deconstructing the industry?

The EU is falling apart but will
the Construction Industry follow?
The construction industry has stopped growing, fuelled by the uncertainty and fears in the lead up to the EU 'remain or leave' vote.

New figures - according to the latest survey released by Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) - show that construction output in June fell at its fastest pace since the doom and gloom during the height of the financial crisis way back in 2009. 

The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) shows a drop in new business from 51.2 in May to 46.0 in June (anything below 50 indicates a contraction). Slower demand has lead to a drop in purchasing activity for the first time in just over three years.

The weakest performing sector was residential construction, despite record house prices and a lack of supply. Commercial building work also suffered a sharp loss of momentum as new projects did not start to replace those that were coming to completion.

Civil engineering was the only sector not to record a fall in output.

Many respondents to the survey of construction industry managers pinpointed the uncertainty ahead of the EU referendum as a key reason for the slowdown, with more than 80 per cent of the poll carried out before the Brexit decision last Thursday.

Tim Moore, senior economist at Markit, said: “Widespread delays to investment decisions and housing market jitters saw the UK construction sector experience its worst month for seven years in June.”

The economist stated that this could be more than a short-term, referendum-related blip. “The extent and speed of the downturn in the face of political and economic uncertainty is a clear warning flag for the wider post-Brexit economic outlook,” he cautioned.

“The worry is that the ensuing political turmoil will hit construction spending decisions for some time to come,” Mr Moore said. This feeling has been echoed in other industries in recent days.

As PMI figures are based on hard data about purchasing in the construction industry they are seen as a good predictive measure of things to come.

Lets hope that this is not the case and it is just a minor knock of confidence. However, the due to the result of the referendum and the even greater uncertainty now created, the industry might be in a state of limbo for a while yet.

Our message is that the foundations of our industry are still in place, and that we should continue to build on it to prosper rather than let BREXIT deconstruct all the hard work of the industry.


Wednesday 6 July 2016

Ridgeons celebrate the importance of good recruitment and having dedicated employees

It is always good to hear of companies that recruit well and retain their staff, allowing employees to develop as people and in their career. 

The Ridgeon Group is renowned for this and they recently hosted two celebratory award ceremonies honouring 71 employees at its annual Long Service Awards.

Hosted at Ridgeons’ Green Light Centre in Pampisford, Cambridge, this year saw a record-breaking 1,165 years of combined service celebrated; with 18 branches represented.

Now in its 19th year, the internal awards recognise employees who have dedicated 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the independent timber and builders’ merchant.

Nineteen members of staff reached 10 years of service, 53 employees achieved 15 years, and nine members of the team celebrated 20 years of service.

Ridgeons awarded employees with certificates in handmade frames from its Forest Products division. Employees reaching the career milestones were also granted access to exclusive company benefits.

Gordon Ridgeon, PR director for the Ridgeon Group, said: “Strong relationships are at the core of our business, and continuity of service allows us to maintain relationships with our customers and communities. It is very uplifting for the family and directors to get together with some of our outstanding employees to celebrate their great milestones.

“The Long Service Awards are the perfect opportunity for us to thank our employees for their continued hard work and recognise each as being an extremely important part of the Ridgeon Group’s total team. On behalf of all the family and directors, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all those recognised at the awards ceremonies.”

Reaching 10 years of service, Ian Clarke, an operations supervisor, attended his first awards ceremony. He added: “The day was fantastic, it was great to see so many of my colleagues’ long careers at Ridgeons being celebrated. Ridgeons is a great team to be a part of and I’m proud to be associated with the company.”

Monday 4 July 2016

JOB IN FOCUS: Sales Director for Structural Building Products - £75k OTE

Our latest Job in Focus for July is national Sales Director role for a manufacturer of structural building products. You would be responsible for developing the sales team and sales strategy. A focus on effectively selling roofing, cladding and insulation products via specification to architects would be beneficial.

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: Sales Director
Job Ref: J7640
Product: Roofing
Location: National
Salary: £65k

Sales Director for Manufacturer of structural building products. 











Package: £55K - £65K with £65K - £75K OTE. Company Car, Mobile, Laptop, Pension. 

Employer: A long established manufacturer with a prestigious brand name in the market. An excellent opportunity to join a business well known for its retention of staff and enjoying a period of growth due to market and product innovation. 

Job Description: Reporting directly to the managing director you will be responsible for the sales function of the business including working with the board to devise a sales strategy based on market information. You will look to boost sales through the development of staff and management while implementing a successful growth strategy. 

Area: National role - Candidates can live anywhere in the UK ideally based northern such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham, Glasgow etc. 

Person: We are seeking an established sales manager with experience of driving a sales team as well as constructing and implementing a sales strategy. Product knowledge is not essential however candidates from an insulation, roofing or cladding background is preferred. The ideal candidate would also have knowledge of developing business via specification with architects but again not essential. 

For further information or to discuss your career options contact Luke Rootham on 01480 405225 or apply online.

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

Friday 1 July 2016

FREE Career Clinics for Construction Products Sales Professionals this July

Fingers crossed after a false start that here comes the summer! If you want to bring sunshine to your life in more ways than one, a new job is often a good start. 

And if you are looking to progress your career in construction sales or marketing, 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. 

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

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

July clinic dates
  • Tuesday 12th July - Coventry 
  • Wednesday 13th July - Bristol 
  • Tuesday 19th July - Guildford             
  • Thursday 21st July - Notts/Derby Holiday Inn
  • Tuesday 26th July - Leeds
  • Wednesday 27th July - Stoke
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.