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You now have less than a week to enter our draw to win an iPad mini. All you need to do is sign-up for our free e-letter 'Pin Points' by 31 July 2013 and your entry in the draw will be automatic.

Sign-up here today.

'Pin Points' is very popular with its subscribers and keeps candidates and clients informed of industry news and research, and allows interaction in our special industry polls and insightful interviews. It also provides expert recruitment and job seeking advice, as well as, advance and exclusive notice of some of our exciting new initiatives planned for later this year. 

We offer some of the best sales, marketing, management and board level jobs in the building products industry – including high quality roles from junior to senior level in the building materials, KBB, Interiors and DIY sectors. 

Visit www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk to see all our latest jobs and support services.

UK Housing market continues to grow says RICS

The good news for the industry keeps coming this month as the latest figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) indicates the UK housing market is continuing its return to good health.

RICS found that in June, 21% more chartered surveyors reported that house prices had risen rather than fallen across the country – the strongest reading since January 2010. The price uplift is mainly a result of prospective buyers starting to return to the market, RICS said, finding that 38% more surveyors reported a rise rather than a fall in new buyer enquiries. 

Demand has grown at a rate not seen since August 2009. RICS also revealed that in June, 45% more chartered surveyors predicted that house sales would rise rather than fall over the next three months. This is the most positive reading in the market survey’s 14 year history. 

Peter Bolton King, RICS’ global residential director, commented: 

“Activity levels still remain depressed by historic standards but the various initiatives designed to encourage the provision of finance into the market do appear to be paying dividends.”

Take a look at the latest sales and marketing building products jobs

Featured building products NATIONAL sales jobs - July 2013

July 2013: With the school holidays nigh, you might want to get away from the kids and use the time to look for a new job!

This month we focus on a number of fantastic National sales management opportunities. 

If you are interested in the plastic windows, heavyside and drainage sectors you should really take a look.

• Call us on 01480 405225 to discuss any of our current vacancies 
  
• Email us on recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk
• Visit our website at www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk to find out about our full range of recruitment services for the building products sector.

Keep informed of ALL our latest jobs when they become available on our Facebook page. Remember to click LIKE! to ensure you receive the full benefits of news, jobs, entertainment, articles, events and promotions.

Have you signed-up for our e-letter yet? You could win an iPad mini. Click here.

See below for full details of our featured jobs (click 'Read more' if required).

Where are the building blocks to recovery when you need them? Literally…

The housebuilding market is trying to build without bricks, which is a bit like eating soup with a fork: frustrating, time-wasting and utterly pointless. 

There is a shortage of aerated and lightweight blocks in the industry which is due to the welcome upturn in the private housing market. But, are the very blocks that should be helping to construct a positive future for the industry now hindering the recovery? 

It is a welcome, but difficult time for manufacturers, suppliers and builders, and after five years of declining demand, resulting in reduced production and stock levels, the industry has been caught a little short. 

Many manufacturers have been quoting delivery times of up to three months, leaving builders very frustrated especially with the recent fine weather we’ve been experiencing.

In these circumstances it is important for everyone not to panic. 

Pinnacle Consulting clients within the brick and block sector have been evaluating their production schedules and stock, in order to catch up with demand. Communication needs to be regular, and planning needs to be thorough - it is a time when the whole industry needs to be working together to ensure recovery is allowed to thrive.

It’s also paramount that manufacturers do not let the excitement affect the supply of their other products, or over-estimate demand and end up with crippling levels of unsold stock.

Builders must be patient, but need reliable information and delivery dates, in order to plan their work effectively; merchants must ensure this happens through regular communication. It is vital that all concerned are aware of the nature, size and stage of projects being worked on, and where the requirement is at its most critical. This is a tricky balancing act, especially with no one wanting to let any customer down, least of all their loyal and long-term customers.

The next two or three months are vital for the industry and it is a real opportunity for companies and individuals to step up their game - planning, communication, relationships and staffing will all be key factors for those that succeed. The importance of a sound relationship between sales and operations at manufacturers cannot be under estimated during this time.

It is also a timely warning for other companies within the building products sector to make sure that they have systems in place, as they might be next to experience similar issues.

Pinnacle Consulting look forward to a continuing recovery and a building industry at full health once again.

Contact us for the best construction sales jobs in the industry or to see how we can help you enhance your team.

Read the latest construction news from The Guardian

What should employers expect from their recruitment consultant?

Employers will often ask themselves when engaging with a construction sales recruitment consultant: “what exactly are they doing for me or are they just operating in their own self-interest” and or more importantly “what am I actually getting for our hard-earned money?”

Although many companies would agree that recruitment doesn't always get the attention it deserves, as it can be seen as a distraction from the "more important" day-to-day running of the business, most realise that selecting the right person is vital for the future success of their business.

However, companies can be understandably apprehensive about using a recruitment agency...

Many will still ask: “why am I using a recruitment agency?” and “what should I expect from my consultant?” If you are currently in this mindset, consider the following to help you evaluate if you are getting good service from your consultant.

At Pinnacle Consulting we are only too aware of the need to operate with professionalism and integrity, otherwise that important trust factor will be quickly lost with both our clients and candidates.

Here are six simple things that you should be asking of your consultant. These are the basic principles we look to instill into our consultants.

Is my consultant demonstrating a thorough understanding of my brief, our market and our company?
If your recruitment agency and consultant really understand your business they can then confidently and effectively explain the benefits of matching your company with the candidate and how the job fits in with your company objectives. This ability will also assist the consultant when selecting appropriate applicants for interview. 

You should check to see if your consultant has a sound understanding and knowledge of your company, your products and services, your markets and customers, as well as your activity, approach and reasons for needing to employ.

Does your consultant ask you additional questions to enhance their knowledge or are they just making generalised and vague statements? 

More importantly, are the prospective candidates being put forward by your consultant actually matching your brief and are they supported with good, intelligent rationale to support their selection?

Understanding your industry is often solved by using a specialist recruitment agency that operates exclusively in your field, but a consultant who also understands your specific company and needs provides you with a much more valuable service. 

Is my consultant providing the right level and quality of communication?
You need to make sure that you are being updated on progress, but not to the extent where you don’t want to talk to the consultant and calls become ‘sales’ pitches. Conversations and meetings should be proactive, reassuring and informative, and that of a business partner working for mutual benefit.

Are the CVs being sent to me carefully selected or is my consultant just a CV forwarder?
If you, very quickly, get sent through a ream of CVs which seem to have been generated by the consultant doing a quick automated CV match, or by trawling through various job boards, then you should be very concerned. First of all, you should ask for a share of the commission fee, as it seems you are being asked to do the main filtering on behalf of the consultant. Secondly, it would be very likely that none of the candidates have been spoken to about the role, or the detail of their career truly evaluated by the consultant to ensure they are suitable and match the key aspects of your brief. 

Your consultant must provide you with process streamlining benefits to ensure that CVs sent to you are relevant and the candidates of a high quality, capable and interested in the role. Less is often more, so look for quality over quantity and evidence that the consultant knows the person behind the words on the CV. Never assume that they have actually spoken to the person they are putting forward, but look for evidence that they have.

Are they saving me time rather than wasting my time?
One of the main reasons companies decide to use agencies for their recruitment is to save advertising expenditure and time spent searching, evaluating, communicating and administrating. In other words, sorting the wheat from the chaff and thus allowing you to concentrate on your job. 

If you are finding yourself spending too much of your time monitoring your consultant’s activity and guiding them in the right direction, or as mentioned earlier, having to look through a huge pile of CVs which are without substance - then you may as well have controlled the whole process yourself in the first place. You only want to interview top quality people, who are serious candidates for job, and those who will actually turn up for the interview in the first place.

If your consultant has a true understanding of your needs and has established this during briefing – a stage when the employer and the consultant really do need to invest their time – then you can move forward with confidence that the process is likely to go smoothly and without the constant need to eat into your time, other than when it is necessary.

Is my consultant exploring all avenues to find the ideal candidate to match my brief?
A good consultant will earn their fee by finding the right person for the right job by selecting from a pool of high quality candidates, including access to candidates not available elsewhere. 

Job boards and media advertising are open to anyone looking for candidates, and are often a successful way to fill a position, but there are also the hidden ones - those who are not even aware that they are looking for a job, or at least, are not actively seeking. It is also true that high quality candidates will not be searching for long, and many active candidates will not even read the agency listings or visit job boards. 

A proactive approach from a consultant with specialist and intimate knowledge of those within the industry who might be tempted to make a move, could be the key-determining factor to find you the elite employees that meet and exceed your brief and will grow your business.

These qualities are vital ingredients of a high quality recruitment agency and consultant, and a key reason for not recruiting yourself. Your consultant must really work for you to meet your needs and not just take the easy routes accessible to everyone. Ask them how they intend to find someone to meet your requirements.

It is vital that you don’t fill a position with the best of a bad bunch, crossing your fingers that it will work out - it usually doesn’t. By using a consultant, you have hired a specialist and professional service, so it is not unreasonable to expect good results.

Is your consultant also working in the best interests of the candidate and do I trust them?
A good consultant should intuitively know their clients’ and candidates’ needs and this should be achieved by really getting to know people. They should look to build long-term relationships for long-term gain. It should not just be about filling a vacancy that would not be fair on either the candidate or the client. 

Your consultant should be sure that it is the right move for the candidate because, if it isn’t, then it certainly is not the right appointment for you. You need to trust that your consultant has the best interests of both in their approach. You can normally judge this through your relationship with them - if that is sound and honest, it is likely that the same will be the case with candidates.

An excellent consultant will also be able to identify talent and potential in people to make them ideal candidates for roles that they would not normally have even considered. This can often provide amazing results, and is proof of a consultant thinking carefully about your brief and knowing people well.

It is a good sign if your consultant continues to take an interest in your company and how things are going even after the appointment is made, and also if they are happy to give you specialist and confidential advice whether or not you are in recruiting mode. However, as mentioned earlier, they should not be a hindrance.

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Make sure you get the service you deserve from your consultant
Whether you decide to use the services of Pinnacle Consulting or not, please use our guide to help improve the service and value you are getting from your agency, or to help you evaluate what an agency and consultant should be giving you in return for recruiting them. It does not mean that all appointments will be perfect, but it certainly will considerably reduce the risk factor and increase the chances of finding someone that you would not have found by yourself.

Testimonial from Soudal NV.
We were delighted to hear that the culture we try and impress on all our consultants is paying dividend. The proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating, and some recent unsolicited feedback received from Michael Gamble, Professional Market Manager at Soudal NV, Europe’s leading independent manufacturer of sealants, PU-Foams and adhesives, is evidence of this: 

“ I was very impressed with your consultant’s efforts on our behalf. It is reassuring to see that you are maintaining the same high standards of the consultants we have previously dealt with.

“He was given a pretty tough brief in terms of our requirements for our new Area Sales Manager, but he located as close as possible the perfect candidate for our vacancy. He didn’t waste my time with unsuitable applications and had the right balance of contact during the whole process.

“The successful candidate took a day’s holiday from his current job, so he could attend our Sales Meeting - this was before he even started in the position, and now the early signs have also been very encouraging. Pinnacle should get a pat on the back”.

You can find out more about Soudal here. 

Pinnacle Consulting
If you would like to discuss your needs in further detail, please contact us on 01480 405225 or by email on recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk. You can also find out more on our website about how we can help those looking to recruit for sales and marketing positions in the building products sector.

Image thanks to: "People Search" by jscreationzs FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Construction industry is entering a new dawn says CIPS

After the great news we brought you yesterday from the CPA, we are pleased to bring more good news today, with the release of the latest Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) for the construction sector. It really does seem like the start of something good for the industry...

The index revealed that the UK construction sector showed its strongest growth for over a year in June.

Overall output growth was driven by increased housing activity and new order growth reporting a 13-month high. The overall index posted at 51.0, up fractionally on the previous month's 50.8. However, despite the only slight improvement the figure showed construction output was continuing to expand. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. 

The figures demonstrate the industry is showing real evidence that it is turning the corner and the growth is being underpinned by a consistent rate of new orders and rising employment levels in the sector. 

David Noble, CIPS CEO commented: 

"A new dawn is emerging in the construction industry, with confidence of a sustained recovery beginning to build thanks to two months of consecutive output growth and the pace of new oders ecpansion hitting a 13-month high. Housing is the leading light sustaining last month's performance, meanwhile commercial and civil engineering activity stabilised, arresting months of decline giving further cause for optimism.

"The strongest growth in new business orders for over a year is also driving employment upwards, resuting in confidence hitting its highest level since April 2012. This enthusiasm may also have been bolstered by the Government's support for new house building. Whether expectations match reality, only time will tell.

"Suppliers still bear the scars of the recession reflected in a lack of stock and limited capacity. Coupled with higher average cost burdens, this is placing pressure on supply chains and cost margins. This needs to be rectified, if the sector is to build on this momentum."

With growing confidence in the industry and rising employment in the sector, it might be the right time to recruit or to start looking for that new job. Search for the best UK construction sales jobs.

Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Great news for sales of construction products

The Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey released on Monday indicates that sales of construction products recovered slightly during the second quarter of 2013. This recovery was driven principally by exports and a ‘bounce’ following a Q1 slump which had been exacerbated by poor weather.

Commenting on the figures, Construction Products Association economist, Milja Keijonen said: ‘The second quarter of 2013 saw a predicted bounce back in quarterly construction product sales following a weak performance during the first three months of 2013. Export sales continued to provide a lifeline for many product manufacturers, whilst the domestic construction industry remained subdued. Both heavy and light side sales continued to decline on an annual basis, even if the pace of these falls showed signs of slowing down from Q1.

‘Looking ahead, product manufacturers remain optimistic about sales growth. Recent data releases on the UK economy have fuelled optimism over growth prospects. Also, market conditions are expected to improve as the year progresses with private housing one of the key sectors expected to boost domestic demand. Export sales are anticipated to continue providing a boost even if most European economies, the UK’s main export markets, remain firmly in negative territory.’

Other key points include:

• Heavy side sales volumes rose on a quarterly basis but contracted year-on-year, on balance.
• Light side product sales were broadly unchanged compared to Q1 but fell on an annual basis, according to 7% of firms, on balance.
• Market sentiment improved in Q2 with 38% of heavy and 31% of light side companies, on balance, expecting sales to rise in Q3.
• Export growth continued to boost sales in Q2 with 30% of light and 20% of heavy side companies reporting a rise in exports quarter-on-quarter, on balance.
• Cost inflation remained prevalent across the industry with energy and transport costs making the main contribution towards higher unit costs.

Take a look at the latest construction products sales jobs

KBB buying group launched in the UK

Following a model similar to how the NMBS support independent merchants, Pin Board is pleased to hear of the launch of the Kitchen & Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG) - the UK’s first kitchen and bathroom buying group for specialist retailers - which has been established to help independent retailers be more competitive in today’s tough economic climate.

Partly as a result of growing criticism of suppliers for failing to support independent kitchen and bathroom retailers, the German buying group Der Kreis has launched the KBBG which is headed up by Gorenje UK’s former sales director Bill Miller. This is a really encouraging step for the UK KBB sector and needs to be supported and embraced by the whole industry.

“Bill’s strong background and extensive industry relationships are invaluable,” said Marcel Crezee, chief executive of Der Kreis. “His understanding of the independents’ business is instrumental in developing the organisation in the UK, supporting and preserving the independence of retailers for the future.”

If you are looking for a job in the KBB industry or are a distributor or manufacturer looking to recruit, please contact us, the KBB recruitment specialists.

The KBBG’s aim is to support and improve conditions for independent specialists by giving them buying power to compete against larger companies and the internet. Bill's initial focus will be to get manufacturers and retailers in the kitchen sector on board, before targeting the bathroom industry.

With the introduction of a UK division, Der Kreis now has buying groups in nine European countries, including Germany and The Netherlands, and has an annual turnover of €2.2 billion (around £1.8bn)..

The KBBG will be looking to provide a complete and competitive package to retailers including; furniture, appliances, worktops, sinks and taps in its offering.

The KBBG is based in the UK and is made-up of independent retailers who have united to work together in the field of purchasing and marketing within the kitchen and bathroom industry and will also offer a variety of exclusive, interesting and useful business services.

What is the basis of KBBG?
KBBG members stay in control of their own business and decide what benefits or services are useful for their business.

• Members remain independent and self-employed
• Members will not affiliate business, you retain your own identity
• KBBG is not a franchise formula

Why should you join KBBG?
There are many reasons to join the KBBG. Here are some key reasons:

• Purchasing Advantage through cooperation with other members
• Product Marketing with distinctive private labels, best buying terms and conditions
• Payment Advantage and convenience with the Central Payment System (subject to agreement)
• Training and seminars
• Information on the internal system INFONET
• Better business
• Information Centre for all your questions
• Support, advice and guidance of entrepreneurs
• Education and training programs for kitchen specialists
• Exchange knowledge and meet colleagues at meetings and seminars

More on the KBBG
The KBBG is fully supported by some of the largest and best known kitchen furniture and built-in appliance suppliers in Europe.

The KBBG will be supporting its members with unique and exclusive offers from their partner suppliers as well as generous rebate opportunities.

If you are interested in learning more about what the KBBG has to offer, please contact them.  

With over 30 year’s experience, DER KREIS is one of the largest kitchen and bathroom buying group in Europe and with over 2,700 member retailers in 9 countries, DER KREIS exclusively supports the independent kitchen and bathroom specialist, recognising the skills of the individual and helping create a strong and successful community.

Image courtesy of "Water 3D" by Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you need help understanding how to meet the Building Information Modelling (BIM) requirements?

In response to a government initiative requiring that all central government building procurement contracts use BIM from 2016, Pin Board is pleased to make you aware of a great and simple-to-understand guide published by the Construction Products Association and the NBS. This new guide is designed for manufacturers and is perfectly named ‘BIM for the Terrified'. It is aimed at those who do not have a detailed understanding of BIM, but would like to gain sufficient understanding to assess its possible impact on their construction product manufacturing or distribution business.

You can download the guide here

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process for managing the information produced during a construction project, in a common format, from the earliest feasibility stage through design, construction, operation and finally demolition, in order to make the best and most efficient use of that information. BIM has three key elements: 

• The consistent, conventional labelling or naming of documents and data
• A method for storing and manipulating information
• A method for exchanging or issuing information about the building, including its construction, operation, performance and maintenance

The use of BIM can increase efficiency and reduce errors. Virtual designs are built in three dimensions before work proceeds on site; the attributes of all the elements of the building can be found in the model; and spatial ‘clashes’ can be identified and resolved in the model instead of on site.

The guide explains the basic vocabulary of BIM so that readers will be better able to understand the wider debates about it. It looks at how BIM has evolved from the earliest drawing and specification systems, how the various types of BIM differ and what benefits they offer. The reasons for the government’s drive to adopt BIM are explained and the requirements that will fall on to the supply chain are set out. Case studies are included, showing how manufacturers are taking up the challenge of BIM. Finally there are references to sources of more detailed information.

To be prepared for BIM, manufacturers and distributors will need to invest time and resources. It is hoped they will be better informed and more confident after reading this guide and will be able to ask the right questions as they make investment decisions.

With the 2016 deadline fast approaching, the Cabinet Office has set up the BIM Task Group to work with industry to bring the construction industry up to speed. The Construction Products Association is working with the BIM Task Group and others on a range of initiatives to support this work.

John Tebbit, Industry Affairs Director and Deputy Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association, said: ‘In order for any of the BIM agenda to work and benefits to be delivered, manufacturers and suppliers will need to put significant resources into the data and models underpinning BIM.

‘Some have been doing this for years but for others the market case has not yet been made.  The publication is a small part of making that case. Others will need to play their part too, primarily through demonstrating demand and sticking to open, non-proprietary standards for both data structures and data itself.’

Dr Stephen Hamil, Head of BIM at NBS commented: ‘Use of BIM is growing significantly within the design communities with adoption predicted to rise to 91% within the next 3 years. In order to really achieve the benefits for the whole industry which BIM offers, our manufacturing sector must make the BIM journey too. We hope that this guide will help manufacturers better understand what this journey is and why it's in their interest to become BIM enabled.’

Are you looking for a new sales job in the construction products industry or looking to recruit for a new sales professional? Call Pinnacle Consulting on 01480 405225.

Image "Modern building model" by Ventrilockwww.freedigitalphotos.net

Sales Jobs in the Building Industry: Career Development Clinics for July 2013

Are looking for a new challenge in your career this summer or even just an independent evaluation of your career direction? 

Arrange to attend one of our FREE PinBuild Career Development Clinics throughout the UK during July.

PinBuild Clinics are for sales and marketing professionals in the building products, construction and interiors sectors and provide specialist career advice. Call us to arrange to meet one of our Specialist Consultants.  Tel: 01480 405225 or Email recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

July PinBuild Clinics

• Thursday 4th July: Bristol
• Wednesday 10th July: Warrington
• Thursday 18th July: Birmingham
• Thursday 25th July: Leeds

Look at our current jobs

You might find one that you would like to discuss:

Construction products and building materials sales jobs

Construction products and building materials marketing jobs

Construction products and building materials management 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.

Read the latest construction news from The Guardian