Meet us at UK Construction Week to discuss your career: We're going, are you?

The newly launched UK Construction Week (6-11 October 2015), spans five halls of the NEC and will include nine shows specific to the UK construction industry. Pinnacle Consulting will be visiting. Will you be there? 

So make sure you find the time to visit and catch up with the latest products and developments and enhance your knowledge and contacts.

You can also meet up with one of our specialist building industry recruitment consultants, who will be attending the most of the week.

So if you would like to discuss your future career opportunities or if you are a company looking to recruit and are able to take sometime out to discuss your needs, then contact us to arrange a confidential meeting on 01480 405225 or by email recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

UK Construction Week promises to be the strongest trade event the building and construction industry has ever seen. It is encouraging to see a trade show at the right time of the year, with carefully selected and specialised segmented areas.

The building and construction industry has seen huge growth in the last two years and is one of the most exciting and rewarding industries to be a part of, UK construction Week will help to demonstrate why. Take a look at the latest Construction Sales Jobs...

Find out more on the event and register for a ticket >>

Construction Sales Recruitment Clinics for October 2015

An opportunity to have a FREE evaluation of your career and also some expert guidance on your next move and to look at suitable current vacancies. Interested? Arrange to attend our PinBuild Career Development Clinics this October. 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

September/October clinic dates

• Wednesday 30^th September: Birmingham
• Wednesday 7^th October: Dartford
• Thursday 8^th October: Leeds
• Wednesday 14^th October: Reading 
• Wednesday 21^st October: Crawley 
• Thursday 22^nd October: Bury St Edmunds

Our current jobs: You might find one you'd like to discuss: Search for construction 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 our charity initiative 'Helping others as you recruit.'

Are building trade exhibitions worth the investment?

Recently we looked at the positive vibe currently being shown for UK Construction week. 

The week was a really good set of specialised trade shows designed for the benefit of the whole building and construction industry. 

However, certainly since the recession and the growth of the internet, many building product manufacturers, distributors, merchants or companies from within the industry are beginning to question whether their funds can be spent better elsewhere, whereas some still tell us they benefit greatly from participating at trade shows. 

Construction products' Marketing Managers usually start to breath a huge sigh of relief when a major exhibition has finished, and the pressure transfers to the Sales professionals, who are hopefully eager to start working their way through the wheat and chaff of the leads generated and bring in the business and their bonus or commission.

And then, in the background, there are the Managing Directors, Commercial Managers and Financial Directors anxious to ensure the leads really do generate new business to justify the expense of the show. The Marketing Managers then start to worry about next years' budget and show planning and the cycle starts all over again.

So with all these people involved, are trade exhibitions still worth the investment or just a costly flag-waving exercise?

A large trade exhibition doesn’t just take a week out of a company’s time; it is a huge investment of people time and finance.

The preparation of a successful show takes months: selecting the space and position; design of the stand; deciding on your objectives and key messages, writing the copy; design of any graphics; creating any necessary new literature; arranging electrics and stand services; completing reams of paperwork; organising promotions; inviting customers and prospects; organising travel, accommodation and stand personnel; building of the stand; coordinating everything with product launches, printing of literature; arranging giveaways, sales samples and demonstrations for the stand as well as maximising the press coverage of your presence. After all that comes the break down of the stand and then dealing with requests for information and following up all the leads post show. It is tiring just thinking about it!

Stands become a sales and marketing team’s 'home' for the week and some stands can cost almost as much as a small house itself - perhaps they should be included in the UK housebuilding figures!

Any responsible marketer has to think carefully about their show strategy: which show to exhibit at, what to promote, how to maximise the number and type of people visiting the stand. You cannot just expect the show to be a success, otherwise the expense should perhaps be used elsewhere.

There are many questions to consider when deciding whether to exhibit:

• Do we need to be there to enhance our profile and reputation?
• Can we reach people we wouldn't normally be able to see?
• Is the opportunity to bring people to us and actually show them our product a major benefit?
• Would we have got these leads anyway?
• Could we have spent this money better elsewhere?
• Can we afford to have our sales team off the road for a week?
• Do we actually have anything new and interesting to say?
• Can we now reach people just as effectively with all the opportunities the Internet provides?
• Does it fit in with our business strategy and objectives?
• Will we put as much time and effort in post-exhibition as we do into organising it?
• And there are many, many more which will keep Sales and Marketing Managers' brains active for weeks during planning and budgeting time.

However, one major reason why some companies fail to maximise return on their investment is quite simple - a lack of preparation, training, guidance and strategic direction for the people working on the stand. 

Your exhibition team can be a mixture of external and internal sales, marketing, technical, executive management team, and it is vital that they work together to portray a professional, consistent image that generates new business and achieves the objectives of doing the show. It is vital to make the most of your stand and participation at the show, otherwise questions will be asked and it could be a huge missed opportunity. 

Are you looking for a new construction sales job? >>

Next month we will be looking at some very simple things you can do to ensure your exhibitions are successful. Sales interactions on a stand are a very different beast to a planned meeting or even a sales phone call, so it is vital a different approach is taken, and the advantages of the show environment are fully utilised. 

Job in Focus for September: National Sales Manager for Abrasives

Our latest Job in Focus is a National sales management position for a range of abrasives for the construction and industrial sector. You would be responsible for the external sales team and developing new business and products.

Each month our Construction and Building Industry Job in Focus feature takes a detailed look at some of the fantastic sales and 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: National Sales Manager
Job Ref: J6248
Product: Abrasives
Location: National
Salary: £45k

COMPANY: Our client are a major market leading manufacturer of construction and industrial abrasives, they are renowned for exceptional product quality, innovation as well as professional development and career opportunities. 

ROLE: National Sales Manager - You will be tasked with leading and managing the field sales team on the Industrial division, selling a range of Abrasives including grinding, sanding and cutting products targeting specialist industrial distributors and re-sellers. This is a strategic role, focusing on improving and expanding the product range, driving new business and increasing profitable sales return. 

AREA: National 

PERSON: Our client is seeking a structured and professional field sales manager with a demonstrable track record in the effective management and development of a field based sales team. This person will need to be strategic and analytical with the ability to maximise team performance. Product and industry background is not important, however it is key that the applicant has strong experience selling into Distribution or Retail. 

BENEFITS: Our client are offering a basic salary of £45,000 + 20% Annual Bonus + Excellent Secondary Benefits. 

To Apply, contact Steve Brennan on 01480 405 225 or apply online.

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

A fresh approach for UK Building and Construction exhibitions

Other than Ecobuild, the UK building and construction exhibition industry has been on its knees since the demise of Interbuild and its failure to find its place and keep pace with the changing construction sector. 

Even the fantastic Ecobuild show has appeared a little flat in the last couple of years. However, is a saviour on its way, with a new comprehensive trade show, covering many relevant aspects and sectors of the whole building and construction industry? 

The newly launched UK Construction Week (6-11 October 2015), spans five halls of the NEC and will include nine shows specific to the UK construction industry. Organised by Media 10, The UK’s biggest design and build event company, UK Construction Week promises to be the strongest trade event the building and construction industry has ever seen. It is encouraging to see a trade show at the right time of the year, with carefully selected and specialised segmented areas. 

The building and construction industry has seen huge growth in the last two years and is one of the most exciting and rewarding industries to be a part of and UK construction week will demonstrate why. Pinnacle Consulting wish Media 10 and all exhibitors the very best for a fantastic week.

If you are interested in working in a sales or marketing capacity within the building and construction industry, please take a look at some of the best jobs in the industry >>.

Timber Expo is the most important event on the UK construction calendar dedicated exclusively to timber. It is three days brimming with the latest products, innovations and developments across the timber sector - not just from the UK but from an increasingly exciting and diverse international market.

Leading industry association TRADA will be co-ordinating the Timber Focus Seminars, 3 days of insightful seminar sessions covering a spectrum of current industry trends and issues, alongside the Structural Timber Association Theatre, BM TRADA Live Zone and an installation collaboration with the Architectural Association.

The only construction event in the UK dedicated to commercial and residential integrated building technology. Smart Buildings 2015 is the new go-to event for the smart buildings industry jam-packed with world leading content, CPD's and notable industry brands.

The Build Show will be the UK’s most significant event in construction for decades. A wide ranging programme will explore every key issue and work with notable industry leaders and organisations to address policy issues, develop skills and personal development, seek out, recognise and reward talent and ability.

A visit to the Build Show will also get you access to leading industry content including The Site Zone: an interactive area for demos and workshops, Careers Centre in association with the House Builders Federation, Commercial Vehicle Test Drive and a dedicated section for Civil Engineering.

HVAC 2015 is the only construction show in the UK dedicated to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. The show is expected to attract a vast amount of industry professionals including installers, contractors, specifiers and engineers.
From the informative HVAC hub to the installer advice centre for all HVAC professionals this exhibition will offer visitors the opportunity to meet and hold exclusive consultations with key exhibitors and network with industry peers under one roof.

Energy 2015 is a brand new event within UK Construction Week for the energy industry, aimed at energy specialists, civil engineers, architects and other industry professionals. Covering all aspects of energy solutions Energy 2015 will provide a valuable insight into the latest industry trends and face to face interaction with some of the leading players in the international market.

Showcasing the latest earthmoving, lifting, handling and demolition products, Plant & Machinery Live will bring a much needed equipment and machinery product showcase to sit alongside the UK's largest construction event.

Kitchens & Bathrooms Live is a brand new event dedicated to showcasing the leading brands at the forefront of design in the kitchens and bathrooms sector. Expect a carefully curated selection of only the best kitchens and bathroom manufacturers to accompany a wealth of accessories and fittings.
Introducing the number one UK exhibition for the surface and materials industry. The event will showcase the latest surface and material solutions for specifiers, developers and industry professionals looking for cutting edge innovations within the materials sector.

Visit Surface & Materials to see the latest flooring trends in our unique surfaces workshop, a selection of innovative architectural materials with industry experts SCIN Gallery and interiors knowledge from our show partners SBID.

Grand Designs Live, the UK’s top contemporary home show returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 8th - 11th October 2015. Presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, and based on the hugely popular Channel 4 series, the show offers you a unique opportunity to gain all the advice, inspiration and materials you need to build your very own grand design.

Grand Designs Live overlaps the trade element by one day (8th October), making it the ideal proposition for self builders and home owners working on live construction projects.

Find out more and register for a ticket>>.

Featured Sales and Marketing Construction Industry Jobs for September 2015

September 2015: The summer is turning into autumn and there is less to do in the evenings, no barbecues, beer gardens, cycle rides, long walks, so perhaps it is time to use the time looking for a new job...so if you are in the mindset for a change, start your search for a new building industry management, sales or marketing job today. We have some fantastic job opportunities on our books at the moment and we feature some of them below.

If you are interested in any of these roles or are looking to develop your career, contact us or take a look at our website for more details on our construction sales jobs and recruitment services.

• Call us on 01480 405225 to discuss any of our current vacancies
• Email us on recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

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.

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

Power tools in demand due to technology improvements and more in-store visits

New research from 'AMA' shows that demand for power tools has benefited from product innovation such as lithium-ion battery and brushless motor tools, which has helped drive sales. 

Hand tools has remained a steady sector, while performance in the garden tools sector is heavily influenced by the weather in any given year, with 2014 a relatively good year, though performance in 2015 has been less buoyant. 

Digital technology is driving a change in buying behaviour in this sector, with the internet and, in particular, the use of mobile devices among tradesmen, becoming increasingly important, according to AMA. 

The internet has prompted a change in buying behaviour, with an increase in the use of 'click and collect' facilities that encourages people to visit stores, and leading to an increase in sales via trade counters. Social media is also gaining in importance for both promotional messages and customer feedback, assisting in growing direct sales. 

The tool market is forecast to continue growing in 2015, say AMA, with steady underlying growth of around 3-4% per annum forecast in the medium term, providing the construction and home improvement markets remain reasonably buoyant. 

"The future of the tools distribution market mix will depend on channel response to the opportunities and threats posed by the evolving distribution landscape and how quickly they respond to them," said Andrew Hartley, director of AMA Research. 

"Over the past 2-3 years there has also been some consolidation within key distribution channels and this is likely to continue for the duration of the forecast period." 

Latest construction sales jobs>>

Picture credit: from Shutterstock Stock Photo:Power drill closeup
Image ID: 55449481 Copyright: Georgi Roshkov

FREE UK Career Development Clinics for Construction Sales Professionals - September 2015

The summer is almost over, but there is still time to bring some sunshine into your life by getting a new job. If you are not sure on how to make your next move, you should take advantage of an opportunity to have 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 September. 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

September clinic dates

• Wednesday 30th September: Birmingham

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. 

Fastest rise in commercial construction work for five months announced

UK construction companies remained in recovery mode during August according to the latest Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index®(PMI®) and survey, with business activity and employment levels both expanding at a strong pace. Commercial construction work saw its best figures since March.

There were also some encouraging signs that strains on raw material availability have started to subside, as highlighted by the slowest deterioration in vendor performance for just over three years in August. Survey respondents noted that rising levels of supplier capacity, alongside lower fuel and energy costs, had helped restrain overall input price inflation in August. 

The headline seasonally adjusted Index registered 57.3 in August, up from 57.1 in July and well above the neutral 50.0 threshold.

Look at the latest construction sales jobs >>>

Higher levels of business activity have been recorded in each month since May 2013, which represents the longest period of sustained growth for seven-and-a-half years. That said, the index continued to signal a softer growth path than that recorded throughout 2014.
Of the three broad sectors monitored by the survey, the fastest pace of expansion was in residential construction. Growth of commercial work also accelerated since the previous month, reaching its strongest since March. Survey respondents widely linked the latest upturn to improving economic conditions and strong demand from private sector clients. Meanwhile, civil engineering was the weakest performing broad area of activity, with thelatest rise in output the slowest for three months.

August data pointed to a solid expansion in new business intakes across the UK construction sector, but the rate of growth eased to its least marked since May. Survey respondents were nonetheless generally upbeat about underlying market conditions and the number of opportunities to tender. Some firms simply noted that capacity constraints at their business units had held back their ability to take on new work and, in some cases, allowed them to become more selective about development opportunities.

Looking ahead, more than half of the survey panel (53%) anticipate a rise in business activity over the next 12 months, while only 5% forecast a reduction. Although the degree of optimism remained belowJune’s 11-year high, the latest reading was comfortably above the long-run survey average.

Increased workloads and impending new project starts in turn contributed to a robust rate of job creation in August. The current period of staff hiring now stretches to 27 successive months, which is the longest recorded by the survey for just over nine years. Sub contractor usage also picked up again, with the pace of expansion the fastest since February.

The latest survey highlighted that sub-contractor charges rose sharply, but the rate of inflation slipped to its lowest since April 2014. Meanwhile, lower oil-related prices contributed to the weakest overall rate of cost inflation for four months in August.

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

“The construction sector picked itself up a little more this month as overall activity stepped up. Housing remained the strongest driver of growth in addition some reported new impetus in the commercial sector.

“Capacity restraints limited some companies in their determination to actively chase new business, using their resources to fulfil current commitments. Some raw material shortages were still in evidence as suppliers were challenged to get their act together and keep pace.

“Any further obstacles hampering strong progress were around the lack of available skilled staff as subcontractors were still highly sought-after and offered higher wages. But, the rise in the level of permanent posts and employment generally rising for the last 32 months, confirmed an optimism displayed by more than half of the survey respondents.

“With some doubt creeping in around the sustainability of the strength of the global economy, any rise in UK interest rates is unlikely to be any time soon, so growth rates are not stymied. With consistently lower input prices such as for oil, the sector was provided with a much-needed additional buffer.”

Photo by: “Construction Of A High-rise Building” by stock images via http://www.freedigitalphotos.net