Christmas Job in Focus: Head of Technical Division for Structural Building Products in East Mids - £70k

Our Christmas Job in Focus is a fantastic opportunity to head the technical division for a manufacturer of Structural Building Products. As Technical Manager you would lead all aspects of the company's technical departments, including mentoring, supporting and developing the team and the level of support the department offers. £70k + benefits.

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 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our candidates and client a very Happy Christmas. We hope you get everything you want both personally and professionally in the New Year.

Job Title: Technical Manager

Job Ref: J8411

Product: Heavyside Building Products

Location: East Midlands

Salary: £70k

Head of the Technical Division for a Manufacturer of Structural Building Products. 

Package: £60K - £70K + Company Car, Mobile, Laptop, Pension 

Employer: A leading manufacturer of structural building products with a respected brand name in the sector. Currently experiencing extensive growth in a buoyant market, therefore offering excellent career and personal development opportunities. 

Job Description: You will be responsible for managing the technical departments via the technical managers. Offering support, structure and mentoring members of the team while helping to develop the technical support side of the business. Working with house builders, developers and merchants on a range of structural building products. 

Area: Role will be based in East Midlands - Candidate will ideally live around Loughborough, Derby, Nottingham, Tamworth, Stoke On Trent. 

Person: We are seeking a strong technical manager with an extensive understanding of structural building products. The ideal candidate will have managed a larger technical team either directly or via other managers. 

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 >>>

2016 is almost over. Are you ready for 2017?

Another year is almost over and a new one is about to begin. 2016 has been a difficult year for the building and construction industry, but like a determined boxer it keeps getting up off the floor, fighting back and surprising us all.

The year is ending in optimistic mood, as is the job market, defeating some of the post-Brexit gloom.

So it seems after an intense 12 months of hard work, the industry must regroup and prepare to fight again in 2017.

We would like to wish all our candidates and clients a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Our offices close on 22nd December and reopen on 3rd January 2017.

In the meantime, if you'd like to start the New Year with a new job, please take a look at our latest building industry sales jobs here.

Sales of building materials through merchants rise post-Brexit vote

Sales of building materials through UK builders’ merchants rose by 3.8% in the three months after the EU referendum, compared with the same period of 2015.

Latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) show that total merchant sales in Q3 2016 were up by 3.8% on the same period last year with total ex-VAT sales reaching £1.43bn compared to £1.39bn in 2015.

Total sales for the first nine months of the year were up 5.1% year on year.

Year-on-year sales growth in Q3 was particularly strong in the landscaping sector (+9.6%), helped by good weather throughout the period. Ironmongery (up 5.9%) also performed well, as did the market’s largest product category, heavy building materials (+4.4%).

However, total merchant sales in Q3 were down by 0.6% on the second quarter, and down by 3.7% less when adjusted for two fewer trading days.  This is a turnaround from last year. 

Search for builders merchants jobs >

In 2015, Q3 sales were 1.7% higher than Q2. It remains to be seen if this is an early warning sign that the market may be slowing, the survey authors said.

John Newcomb, managing director of the Builders Merchant Federation, which sponsors the survey, said: “Positive trading results in first three months following Brexit are an important indicator of the industry’s health. Year-on-year sales have continued to grow throughout 2016, bucking the construction trends identified by the ONS.”

Revised ONS figures for July and August showed construction down by -0.8% and +0.8% respectively on the previous year, with a provisional September figure of +0.2%.

Mr Newcomb added: “We are not overly concerned about the slight drop in sales from Q2 as annual sales can peak in either quarter, but we will be monitoring this going forward.”

The survey is compiled by GfK tracking point of sale data from builders’ merchants representing more than 80% of the market by value. 


Photo: via Shutterstock ref. shutterstock_156254927

Job In Focus: Head of E-Commerce in South East for Bathroom Products to Online Retailers

Our December Job in Focus is an exciting position to help develop Internet sales of Bathroom Products with retailers for a leading name in the bathroom sector. As Head of E-Commerce you could earn £75k plus 25% bonus and benefits.

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 E-Commerce

Job Ref: J8298

Product: Bathroom Products

Location: London & South East

Salary: £75k

LUXURY BRAND IN THE BATHROOM MARKET SELLING TO KEY ONLINE RETAILER ACCOUNTS 

PACKAGE: On offer is a basic salary of up to £75,000 plus 25% bonus, car, pension, healthcare and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays. 

EMPLOYER: A highly successful leading name within the bathroom sector offering a superb product portfolio and a presence in more than 100 countries. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: Head of E-Commerce: Reporting to the General Manager this role is aimed at developing and managing the E-Commerce channel in the UK, actively managing the channel to maximise sales through the internet (both direct and via existing distribution channels and key customers) and encouraging both new and existing business opportunities with effective marketing and brand promotions. There will also be a requirement to drive the growth of the E-Commerce Channel by developing the expertise and capabilities within the UK sales team and working closely with Marketing and Heads of Sales. Other responsibilities include optimising the company's online strategy for brand awareness and lead generation to maximise internet sales growth for the online channel and category, identifying and pursuing opportunities to sell directly on the internet when and where attractive, including partnership initiatives and developing a plan for managing top e-retailers based on best practice e-commerce and implementing web analytics's tools. There will also be 1 direct report. 

LOCATION: Field and office based but applicants need to live within easy commute of London so could be based in Surrey, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, East Sussex or West Sussex 

CANDIDATE: This is a senior level role so we need a senior level exceptional quality candidate. This person needs to have a stable work history, be of graduate calibre and come from an e-commerce background with superior key account management responsibility. Any knowledge of the KBB or heating and plumbing market would be an advantage but it is more important that you have experience with key players in the online distribution, retail or DIY sectors such as Argos, Amazon or Victoria Plumb. 

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 >>>

Construction activity reaches eight-month high as delayed projects resume after Brexit vote

November data indicates that the UK construction sector continued to rebound from a weak Q3 2016 as business activity and incoming new work increased at the strongest pace for eight months. Although both rates of expansion remained much softer than the peaks achieved at the start of 2014. Greater workloads underpinned a further solid rise in employment levels and input buying among construction firms. However, average cost burdens rose sharply, with the rate of inflation the steepest since April 2011.

The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) picked up slightly to 52.8 in November,from 52.6 in October, thereby signalling an expansion of total business activity for the third month running. Reports from survey respondents cited improved order books, alongside resilient client confidence and strong demand for residential projects. There were again reports that heightened economic uncertainty was a key factor weighing on output growth across the construction sector.

Housebuilding activity remained the best performing category of construction output duringNovember, despite the pace of expansion slipping to a three-month low. Construction firms meanwhile reported a marginal rebound in commercial activity, which ended a five-month period of decline. Civil engineering work remained the weakest area of activity.

Increased volumes of construction output were underpinned by a solid upturn in new work during November. The latest rise in incoming new business was the strongest since March and contrasted with a sustained decline in sales through the summer. Some construction firms noted that their workloads had been boosted by a resumption of projects that were delayed after the Brexit vote. However, there were also reports that the stronger inflation backdrop had led to intense competitive pressures and squeezed margins. 

UK construction companies reported a steep and accelerated rise in their cost burdens in November, with the rate of inflation the fastest for just over five-and-a-half years. This was overwhelmingly linked to supplier price hikes in response to exchange rate depreciation.Purchasing activity meanwhile increased at the fastest pace since the start of 2016.Stronger demand for inputs and low stocks among vendors resulted in the sharpest deterioration in supplier performance since June.

Job creation was maintained across the construction sector in November, while the latest survey also highlighted the fastest rise in subcontractor usage so far in 2016. A number of firms linked additional staff recruitment to robust confidence regarding the near-term demand outlook. That said, business confidence was still softer than seen during the first half of the year, with construction companies generally noting that Brexit-related uncertainty had the potential to weigh on business activity during 2017. 

David Noble, Group Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply,said: “The sector was on a firmer footing this month, as a slight uptick in overall activity and the strongest level of new business growth since March, resulted in more stability after a summer of uncertainty at the time of the EU vote.

“Purchasing activity grew at its fastest pace since the beginning of the year as stronger workflows and tenders materialising into actual projects prompted increased levels of stock building. This resulted in a sluggish response from suppliers, with the fastest lengthening of delivery times since June, as pressure on capacity and low stocks impacted on demand.

“Once again residential activity led the way, though at softer rates than those seen in October and at a more diminished rate than the survey’s long-range norm. Though this positive growth will provide some relief for the economy, continuing cost pressures will be a worry for the sector in the coming months. The impact of the weaker pound was widely felt in November, with cost inflation the strongest since early-2011. Higher prices were reported for a number of materials including bricks, blocks and slate, as businesses struggled with managing costs.Yet, in spite of this grip on precious margins, head counts were increased and demand for subcontractors was also sustained.

“Reports of lingering uncertainty around the progress of Brexit negotiations had business optimism divided, where only 45% of respondents expected a rise inactivity next year – one of the lowest since the middle of 2013. And, as commentators warn about more inflationary impacts next year, the sector will be concerned that decisions from policymakers must ensure these effects are minimalised so that growth is maintained."

Develop and enhance sales performance

We'd like to make sure that everyone involved in sales is aware of a superb event next year.

Sales Innovation Expo is the largest and most important event for professional sales leaders. With some of the best-known names, thought leaders and industry experts offering cutting-edge advice and demonstrating the latest technologies, products and services; this event is sure to equip Sales Directors and Managers with the latest systems and tools to improve sales performance.

It is taking place at the EXCEL Centre in London between 28-29th March 2017.

Over 200 innovative exhibitors will be there with ideas, solutions and products to improve your performance, efficiency, outlook and future strategy. You will also be able to attend expert seminars - there is over 95 to choose from!!

In addition there are 35 interactive masterclass sessions to visit to further enhance your knowledge and become aware of the how sales is changing.

Tickets are free, so put the date in your diary.

More details>>>

Construction defies Brexit pessimism but costs a growing threat

The construction industry is defying all the Brexit pessimism still rife in the industry and the country as it grew for a fourteenth consecutive quarter in Q3 of 2017, according to the Construction Products Assocition. However, on the negative side costs were highlighted as a potential threat.

Firms across all areas of construction reported an increase in activity, including building contractors, SMEs, specialist contractors, civil engineers and product manufacturers. Indicators of future growth weakened, however, and activity may be severely hindered by inflationary pressures caused by rising wages and imported raw materials costs.
Rebecca Larkin, Senior Economist at the CPA, said, “Following the EU referendum, the entire construction supply chain reported favourable conditions and growth in activity in Q3. Forward-looking expectations for Q4 and the year ahead were more pessimistic, with the majority of orders and enquiries balances the lowest in two years, or driven by a single sector:  private housing.
“A further factor that stood out as a downside risk to activity in the near-term is the sharp rise in the cost of imported raw materials due to the recent depreciation in the Sterling, which is providing a dual hit to construction costs alongside existing wage inflation pressures.”
Key survey findings include:

• 33% of main building contractors, on balance, reported that construction output rose in the third quarter of 2016 compared with a year ago
• A balance of 7% of specialist contractors reported a rise in output during Q3
• 1% of civil engineers, on balance, reported an increase in workloads during Q3
• On balance, 18% of SME contractors reported increased workloads in Q3 compared to three months earlier
• Main contractors reported an increase in orders in private housing but reported a decrease in all other sectors
• 6% of SMEs and no specialist contractors reported an increase in enquiries in Q3, on balance
• 3% of civil engineering firms reported an increase in new orders in Q3, on balance
• 54% of main contractors reported difficulties recruiting bricklayers, 47% for carpenters and 43% for plasterers in Q3
• Overall costs increased for 59% of civil engineers contractors, whilst 66% of main contractors reported raw materials costs rose in Q3 compared with the previous quarter

Take a look at the latest construction sales jobs >>

NEW JOB IN FOCUS: National Sales Development Job for Heavyside Building Products - £85k OTE

Our latest Job in Focus for November is a fantastic national and senior role as Head of Business Development for an innovative manufacturer of heavyside Building Products. The job is to lead a large sales team selling to architects, contractors and merchants.

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 Business Development

Job Ref: J8286

Product: Building Products

Location: National

Salary: £70k

Sector: Management

Manufacturer of heavyside building products selling to architects, contractors, merchants and distribution 

Basic salary to £70k plus £15k bonus, company car, mobile, laptop, pension and additional company benefits 

COMPANY: A major manufacturer of a range of heavyside building products renowned for their innovative products and solutions for the construction sector. A fantastic opportunity to join a market leading organisation. 

JOB ROLE: A senior level position to take charge of a large sales team to further develop business in the UK market. Responsibilities include managing and developing three separate field sales teams via regional managers selling a range of heavyside building products. The sales teams target architects to generate specification, contractors and merchants/distributors. A strategic approach is required with long term development in mind, the role will also incorporate an element of managing new product launches and marketing campaigns but is a business development position at its core. An ideal position for a senior manager looking to directly influence the success and direction of a large organisation in the UK market. 

LOCATION: National however the position requires frequent travel to head office in London 

CANDIDATE: A strong sales manager with experience working with multiple teams with varied routes to market. A structured and strategic approach is required with experience in developing long term business and product recognition. A background in heavyside products would be ideal however any construction related product background will be considered. Above all a proven track record in sales management and business development is key to the position. 

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

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

Latest research predicts plumbers’ merchants market to increase by 4%

The plumbers’ merchant market was worth an estimated £4 billion in 2015, having recovered strongly in recent years. Demand has increased since 2013, leading to greater demand for plumbing materials, bathroom and shower products, and the plumbers’ merchants market is forecast to grow by around 4% in 2016, according to a report by AMA Research.

Increasing demand has been attributed to the improving economic climate in general since 2013, with demand increasing for both new work and RMI activity.

Price competition remains fierce and AMA Research believes this may influence margins going forward. In order to differentiate themselves, some plumbers’ merchants have invested in improving the overall customer experience through enhanced service, such as extended opening times, greater availability of stock and heightened promotional activity. Many have also expanded their online presence, to ensure that they compete with rising internet sales.

Consolidation has been a feature of the marketplace in recent years, as nationals have acquired smaller regional operations in order to extend their reach and range of services. However, many regional and independent merchants have performed well, with some expanding their number of branches to improve their product offering and stock levels to meet local needs.

Latest Merchant Jobs >>

It is extremely difficult to forecast the impact of the outcome of the EU Referendum on the economy going forward. Several economic forecasts suggest that the UK economy will start to slow, with business and consumer confidence affected, potentially with lower GDP growth in 2017 and 2018. The situation may improve after this, depending on the outcome of trade negotiations, both within and outside the EU, which have yet to take place.

Both Travis Perkins and Wolseley, two of the leading merchant groups in the country, have streamlined the plumbers’ merchant sides of the respective businesses as a result of uncertainty in the market.

“While there are indications of a slowdown in growth in the housing and commercial sectors from mid to late-2016, the plumbers’ merchants market is still forecast to increase by around 4% compared with 2015, with a further 2 to 3% per annum expected from 2017 onwards” said Keith Taylor, director of AMA Research.

UK jobs market strengthens in first quarter after Brexit vote

The latest data from the UK’s largest job site, reed.co.uk, shows that the number of jobs advertised in the first quarter since the EU referendum rose 9% on the same period last year. That’s over 48,000 extra jobs added to reed.co.uk in the third quarter of 2016 compared to last year. 

Sectors
According to the latest reed.co.uk Job Index, Motoring & Automotive (+27%) and Manufacturing (+24%) were amongst the strongest performing sectors for year-on-year growth in Q3. However, jobs in Banking (-18%) and in Charity & Voluntary (-15%) saw the biggest annual contractions following the announcement of the referendum result.

Regions
Across the country the picture is positive, with all regions seeing annual jobs growth between July and September. Northern Ireland (+50.6%), Wales (+21.5%) and the East Midlands (+16.2%) were the regions reporting the biggest growth in vacancies.

However, London and the South East have both seen a drop in the number of vacancies on offer in Q3 when compared to the previous quarter, with a fall of -2.8% and -4.3% respectively.

Download the full report here>>


Picture credit: Shutterstock ref_236392702 

Find out the future trends to influence the UK Domestic Central Heating Market

A new report from AMA research takes a detailed look at the future of this market over the next 4 years and is available now to order. Despite being a mature market, it is still expected to have an increase in value of 14% by 2020.

The UK domestic heating market has benefited from a number of Government initiatives in recent years, along with growth in the new housing sector. Other key trends include the wider use of smart heating controls and an increased focus on energy efficiency. The report reviews developments within the industry, with emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative market assessment - both essential requirements to good marketing planning. Recent trends, key influencing factors and future developments are assessed.

The UK domestic central heating market is substantial, with an estimated total value of around £1.1bn at manufacturers’ prices in 2015. While the market is mature with central heating installed in around 92% of UK homes, growth potential still exists, particularly through smart heating innovation, used to improve energy efficiency and control.

The UK market for central heating saw a notable increase in 2013, with demand in 2014 also reasonably positive, though performance has been much more subdued in 2015/16, reflecting the withdrawal of the ECO scheme and the Green Deal affecting boiler sales in particular. However, the market has benefitted from the introduction of smart heating controls in the past 2-3 years, and demand from the new housebuilding sector has continued to increase.

The UK domestic central heating market has benefited in recent years from increasing health, safety and energy efficiency legislation, revised Building Regulations and environmental legislation. This has stimulated product innovation and development in all sectors of the market. The widespread introduction of smart heating controls has also supported demand, with all of the Big 6 energy companies having added a smart thermostat to their home energy management portfolio. UK householders are becoming much more environmentally aware and are looking towards smart heating solutions in order to minimise energy usage and to save money. Factors which have limited opportunities for growth include the continuing trend towards greater levels of property insulation, driven by further 2014 revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations, which have tended to reduce the overall heating load. 

The future performance of the UK domestic heating market is likely to be influenced by overall trends in housebuilding, home improvement, fuel prices, energy efficiency legislation, renewable technologies, and technological developments. With the evolving trend towards smart IoT devices in the home, the development of smart heating controls will have a significant impact on the overall domestic central heating market. There also continues to be significant opportunities to upgrade existing boilers to the more fuel-efficient condensing models. Around 40% of all boilers installed in the UK are non-condensing models. However, there will still be many homeowners who will continue to demand more conventional solutions. Real benefits such as ease of use and convenience will continue to be the primary focus of many conventional heating controls suppliers.

The outlook for the UK domestic central heating market in late 2016 remains relatively flat, with an uncertain UK economy following the UK ‘Brexit’ vote. However, more steady growth is anticipated from 2018 onwards, driven by the replacement sector and the increasing concern regarding energy efficiency and energy costs etc. By 2020, it is estimated that the UK domestic central heating market will have increased by 14% in value terms, compared to 2016. 

Buy here>>

Job in Focus: Specification Sales Job in London for Commercial Roofing Products - £80k OTE

Our latest Job in Focus for is an excellent Specification Sales job in the London area for an innovative manufacturer of Commercial Roofing Products to architects, surveyors, contractors and local authorities. It comes with an £80k OTE.

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: Specification Sales Executive
Job Ref: J8280

Product: Commercial Roofing

Location: London 

Salary: £50k (80k OTE)

Manufacturer of commercial roofing products. Selling to architects, surveyors, contractors, local authorities. 

Package: £50K basic with £80K OTE. Car or allowance, mobile, laptop, healthcare, pension. 

Employer: A well established an innovative manufacturer of commercial roofing products, well known for career development opportunities. 

Job Description: An excellent opportunity to pick up an established patch with fantastic growth potential. Marketing the full range of products with architects, surveyors, local authorities as well as following the process through with contractors. This is a project led specification role where you will be responsible for influencing at all points. 

Area: Field based role covering London - candidates must live wihin the M25. 

Person: We are seeking a high calibre field sales professional with experience of selling a commercial roofing product via specification with architects or surveyors. The client would also consider a contractor facing candidate who understands the products. 

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

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

CPA Forecasts mixed picture for Construction in 2017-2018 due to impact of uncertainty

The CPA’s latest forecasts highlight a mixed picture for the construction industry over the next two years due to the impacts of the uncertainty following the EU referendum. Overall, construction activity is expected to remain broadly flat in 2017 and 2018, but this masks a more nuanced picture at the sector level with growth in infrastructure and education offsetting falls in activity in sectors such as commercial offices and industrial factories.

Noble Francis, Economics Director, said: “Surveys across the industry highlight that activity in the construction sector has been sustained post-referendum, primarily based upon work on projects that were signed in the 12-18 months before the referendum. Looking forward, projects in the pipeline mean that construction activity is likely to continue throughout the rest of 2016 and the first half of 2017.


“From the second half of 2017, however, there is likely to be a clear division between the fortunes of privately-funded construction sectors – such as commercial offices and industrial factories – where the current uncertainty is likely to have a major impact, and those that are largely unaffected by post-referendum uncertainty – such as infrastructure and education – which are either publicly-funded or in regulated sectors.


“In construction sectors that are likely to be affected by the uncertainty, new investment has already fallen sharply but the lag between new contract awards and activity on the ground means that the weakening in sector output is likely to occur from the second half of next year. Commercial offices output is expected to decline 3.0% in 2017 and a further 10.0% in 2018. In the industrial factories sector, construction is expected to fall 11.6% between 2015 and 2018 as renewal and refurbishment of existing factories continues but large manufacturers make fewer new major investments.

“Within sectors that are expected to be largely unaffected by uncertainty, infrastructure will be a key driver of construction activity. Major projects such as HS2, Hinkley Point C nuclear power station and the Thames Tideway Tunnel are anticipated to provide growth of 6.2% in 2017 and 10.2% in 2018. Within education construction, activity is expected to rise 5.8% by 2018 due to public sector capital investment in the Priority School Building Programme and private sector investment in universities, including £1 billion programmes at Manchester, Cambridge and Glasgow.

“Outside of these sectors, private house building has not been affected by the uncertainty so far and is expected to rise by 2.0% in 2016. It is anticipated to remain flat in 2017 before a 2.0% fall in 2018 due to slower demand as UK economic growth and real wage growth both weaken considerably next year. However, private house building could be boosted by new measures in the government’s Autumn Statement on 23 November. The slower real wage growth in 2017, driven by higher inflation due to the recent falls in Sterling, is also expected to lead to a decline in retail construction of 4.0% in 2017 and 2.0% in 2018. This in a sector already hit by the shift away from traditional retail towards online shopping.“With an upcoming Autumn Statement, it is vital that the Chancellor focuses on reducing uncertainty for the private sector, sustaining the housing sector and ensuring delivery of education construction and major infrastructure projects already in the pipeline.”

Key results from the latest CPA construction forecasts include:

• Construction output to rise 0.6% in 2016, 0.3% in 2017 & 0.2% in 2018
• Offices construction to increase 8.0% in 2016 before a decline of 3.0% in 2017 and 10.0% in 2018
• Factories construction to fall 5.0% in 2016 and 2.0% in 2017
• Infrastructure work to rise by 6.2% in 2017 and 10.2% in 2018
• Private housing starts to rise 2.0% but remain flat in 2017 and fall 2.0% in 2018
• Retail construction to fall 8.0% in 2016 before falls of 4.0% in 2017 and 2.0% in 2018

Picture from Shutterstock: ref. shutterstock_317909906

Housing activity drives construction output rise in October

UK construction companies recorded a sustained expansion of overall business activity in October, led by another solid increase in residential work. New order volumes also picked up across the construction sector, but the rate of growth eased since September and remained weaker than seen prior to this summer.

This contributed to a drop in business confidence regarding the year-ahead growth outlook, with the latest reading the second lowest since May 2013. At the same time, input costs rose at one of the fastest rates seen over the past five years, which survey respondents widely linked to the weaker pound.

Highlights

• Business activity increases at fastest pace since March
• Residential work remains key growth engine
• Input price inflation close to its highest since mid-2011

At 52.6 in October, the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) edged up from 52.3 in September and remained above the 50.0 no change threshold for the second month running.The latest reading pointed to the fastest upturn in activity since March, although the rate of growth was only modest and still much softer than the average since the recovery began three-and-a-half years ago (57.3).

Housing activity remained the key growth driver across the construction sector in October. Latest data signalled a solid increase in residential building work, and the pace of expansion was only slightly weaker than September’s eight-month peak. There was also a stabilisation in commercial construction activity during October, while civil engineering decreased slightly and was the weakest performing broad category of activity.

New business growth was only moderate in October and still much weaker than seen during the first quarter of 2016. Some firms noted that Brexit-related uncertainty had continued to act as a brake on client confidence and resulted in delayed spending decisions.

Nonetheless,construction companies reported a further upturn in their staffing levels and purchasing activity during the latest survey period. The rise in input buying was the fastest since March, which contributed to a sharper deterioration in supplier performance in October. Input prices increased at the second-fastest rate since July 2011 (exceeded only by the rise in costs reported this August). Anecdotal evidence suggested that suppliers had sought to pass on higher imported raw material prices following the sharp depreciation of sterling against the US dollar and euro. Some construction companies also pointed to greater transportation costs in October. 

Looking ahead, the number of construction firms expecting a rise in business activity over the next 12 months (43%) continued to exceed those that forecast a reduction (14%). However, the latest reading was down markedly sinceSeptember and the second-lowest since May2013. A number of survey respondents cited the impact of Brexit uncertainty on investor sentiment, alongside reduced confidence towards the general economic outlook. 

David Noble, Group Chief Executive Officer at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “Housing proved to be the most resilient driving force behind the continued moderate expansion of activity – the fastest since March, but, the level of new order growth was at a weaker level than seen earlier in the year.

“Supplier performance deteriorated slightly reflecting the ongoing trend of low stocks seen in the last few months, as the level of input buying increased at its fastest rate since March.

“A rise in input prices due to the weak pound resulted in the second-fastest increase in cost pressures since mid-2011.

“Respondents reported a squeeze on margins,while increased marketing and new projects helped counteract the continuing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit aftermath. Coupled with concerns around the longer-term performance of the UK economy, this dampened overall business optimism to its second-lowest level since May 2013.”

Construction sector showing no obvious negative Brexit effect

Now that the first three months of post-Brexit figures are available it has become clear the Brexit has not had any prolonged effect. The latest figures show that construction sector contracts across September reached a total of £5.6 billion, which is a minor increase on August, and all signs indicate that the industry seems to have stabilised.

According to the October edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, the residential sector played a prominent role in stabilising construction figures across September. With the government pushing for more housing to be built and ambitious targets set, over £1.7 billion of residential contracts were agreed to on the month, a year on year increase of 12%.

Another sector that performed well this past month was the hotel, leisure & sport industry, with construction contracts value worth over £500 million, a massive 99% higher than a year ago. This was helped greatly by the commissioning of the Aberdeen exhibition and conference development worth £330 million. The sector’s improved performance will be received favourably after a fairly stagnant year.

The most disappointing sector over the month was infrastructure, which was down by a substantial 44.5% compared to September 2015. Additionally if it wasn’t for the £657 million M4 smart motorway scheme in Berkshire, then this figure would be much lower.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, Lead Economist at Barbour ABI, said: “Overall, the construction sector has so far been robust enough to stave off the potential effects from the shock Brexit vote and has kept contract values at a healthy level, helped significantly by residential projects and the often wavering infrastructure sector.”

“A welcome boost for the industry would be an increase in contract values from other sectors outside of residential & infrastructure, such as commercial & retail, which had its poorest month in September since May 2015.”

NEW Job in Focus. National Accounts Manager for HVAC - £65k + 30% bonus

Our new Job in Focus for November is an excellent National Accounts job for HVAC products, including insulation, fire protection and acoustic products. Your customer base is to sell to contractors and developers. You would manage two Area Managers and would be responsible for sales development on a national basis.

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: National Accounts Manager - HVAC

Job Ref: J8203

Product: Insulation

Salary: £65k

GLOBAL INSULATION BRAND SELLING TO CONTRACTORS AND DISTRIBUTORS 

SALARY: Up to £65,000 plus 30% bonus and excellent package including company car, pension, healthcare and 30 days holiday. 

EMPLOYER: Our client is a true market leading manufacturer of structural building products. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: National Account Manager HVAC: This person will be responsible for a team of two area sales managers targeted with selling insulation, fire protection and acoustics to contractors and distributors within the HVAC market. Key responsibilities include delivering double digit growth per year, ensuring the best customer service experience in the industry and maintaining the high performance of the sales team. 

LOCATION: Field based covering nationally so could live in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, London, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Wales, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, County Durham, Cleveland, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire or Greater Manchester 

PERSON: Our client is seeking a high calibre professional and driven individual with exceptional sales ability. The successful candidate will need to come from the HVAC market and be a proven man manager. Additionally, you will have a strong grasp of strategic and operational thinking and have well-developed conceptual and analytical skills. 

For further information or to discuss your career options contact Natalie Matthews on 01480 405 225 or apply online.

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

Construction Sales FREE Career Clinics for November 2016 - UK wide locations

It will soon be Christmas, so why not get yourself an early Christmas present by way of a new job, before it gets too hectic!

If you are you thinking of making a move but are not sure of the best way to approach it or what opportunities are out there, we can help.

So, if you do want to progress your career in construction sales or marketing, then you should take advantage of a FREE evaluation of your career, gain expert guidance on your next move and take a look at suitable current vacancies. Interested...? Arrange to attend our PinBuild Career Development Clinics this November. 

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

November

• Wednesday 2nd November - Manchester
• Tuesday 15th November - Leeds
• Thursday 17th November - Reading
• Wednesday 23rd November - Birmingham
• Thursday 24th November - Norwich
• Tuesday 22nd November - Derby
• Tuesday 29th November - Crawley

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.