Announcing Pinnacle Consulting's 'Exhibition' Tour - March 2016

We are delighted to announce that Pinnacle Consulting will be embarking on a Spring tour in March 2016. The new tour will include multiple dates at some of the leading venues in the UK for the very best building industry trade exhibitions. Be sure to catch Pinnacle this March. 

You can book now for the 'Exhibition' tour by contacting us at 01480 405225 or recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

Visiting Trade Shows is often the best way to network or to see how companies present themselves. They are an ideal opportunity to keep informed of the latest products or trends in the industry or specific sector to keep you at the top of your game and ensure your career thrives. 

They are also good opportunities to develop relationships for your future employment. So if you are visiting kbb Birmingham or Ecobuild; why not arrange to meet up with one of our consultants - also visiting - to discuss potential sales and marketing career options in the building products sector.

You can view our latest jobs here. Perhaps there is one you might like to discuss with us in person on our tour!

Build them and they will come.....highest number of new homes registered for 8 years!

The industry is building them and the people are coming to fill them! The NHBC has revealed that UK new build registrations have hit an eight-year high, with 156,140 new homes registered in total in 2015. 

NHBC’s data showed an increase in private sector registrations of 7% to 118,611 homes during the year against 2014, with those for the public sector increasing 5% to 37,529. In total, new home registrations rose 7% compared to the previous year. NHBC added that it had registered 75% more new homes in 2015 than in the peak of the downturn in 2009.

Most UK regions saw notable growth in registrations compared to 2014, with the Eastern region, North West and Scotland experiencing the biggest lifts of 23%, 16% and 15% respectively. London’s registrations dropped 9% to 25,994 in 2015 against 2014, but NHBC pointed out that 2015 was still the third strongest year on record for London registrations.

NHBC’s statistics also showed that the number of detached homes registered in 2015 (42,173) was the highest in more than a decade, continuing 2014’s trend. And the number of semi-detached homes registered was at a 22-year high, totalling 35,423.

With NHBC representing 80% of the market for new build homes, the total market for UK registrations equals 195,000 homes.

NHBC’s ceo Mike Quinton said: “We are pleased to report that 2015 was a year for continued housing growth in the UK. Both the public and private sectors have performed well and we have seen encouraging levels of housebuilding across most regions of the country. It is chastening to see what has happened since the depths of the downturn in 2009.

“There is still a long way to go before we are building the levels of new homes that were seen before the economic downturn, but 2015 represents consolidation on the growth seen over the last three years.”

kbb Birmingham looks set to be the best yet

Taking place from 6 - 9 March 2016 at The NEC, kbb Birmingham, the UK's biggest kitchen, bedroom and bathroom event, will kick start what is looking like being one of the best ever years for the KBB sector.

 Only last week we revealed that bathroom retailers are set for their best ever year and this positive feeling is evident in the expectation being shown for kbb Birmingham.

At the exhibition, professionals in the industry will be able to source or find out about many newly launched products from over 300 of the world's best KBB brands, and also network with industry colleagues and do business with new and existing suppliers.

And to further enhance your knowledge, you will be able to hear unmissable insight from industry leaders at the annual kbbreview Retail & Design Conference

Rewarding cutting-edge design will be present through the The Innovation Awards, which recognise this year's ones to watch. You will be amazed by what can be achieved.

It is truly and event which shouldn't be missed. Our consultants will be there too - if you'd like to meet up to chat about your KBB career, please email us recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk to discuss. 

Visiting Trade Shows is often the best way to network or to see how companies present themselves. They are an ideal opportunity to keep informed of the latest products or trends in the industry or within your sector and keep you at the top of your game to ensure your career thrives. It is also a good opportunity to develop relationships for your future employment.

Put kbb Birmingham in your diary. Register here.

Find out more about sales and marketing jobs in the KBB sector >>

CPA Sees Continued Signs of Construction Growth but Risks Intensify

The Construction Products Association’s latest forecast estimates growth for the construction industry of 3.6% in 2016, which is a downward revision from the Autumn 2015 forecast of 3.8% primarily because of slower UK economic growth. 

The forecast horizon remains positive, largely due to the inclusion of HS2 main works for the first time; however, risks that threaten construction activity have intensified, particularly from weakening global economic growth, the EU referendum and skills shortages.

Highlights include:

• Total construction output is forecast to rise 3.6% in 2016 and 4.1% in 2017
• Private housing starts to rise 5.0% in both 2016 and 2017
• Industrial activity expected to increase 21.3% by 2019
• Offices construction to increase 7.0% in 2016 and 2017
• Infrastructure work is forecast to rise 56.9% by 2019

Professor Noble Francis, Economics Director, said:  “The key fundamentals for the sector are generally positive and construction growth is set to be more balanced.  Private housing work, especially in London and the South East, provided the majority of growth between 2012 and 2015.  During this forecast period, however, all three of the largest construction sectors – private housing, commercial and infrastructure – are expected to drive industry activity.

“Private housing starts are forecast to rise 5.0% in both 2016 and 2017, buoyed by a high latent demand for home ownership, which is enabled through rising mortgage lending and policies from government.  The demand-side policies in particular will fuel house price inflation further, especially in the capital, whilst also incentivising major house builders to increase building rates over the next 12-18 months.  In addition, given all the government assistance to boost the housing market, house builders are likely to be under pressure to increase supply throughout parliament.

“Public housing prospects continue to be poor.  Housing associations will be adversely affected by a lack of funding as rental income will be hit by the extension of Right to Buy and cuts to social rent.  Public housing starts are expected to fall a further 5.0% in 2016 and no significant growth is expected over the forecast period.

Professor Francis continued:  “The commercial sector is forecast to improve 3.7% on average per year through to 2019.  New offices construction will lead activity in the sector, increasing 7.0% in 2016 and 2017, due to a flurry of high profile developments in London, Birmingham and Manchester.  Retail construction, on the other hand, is expected to remain flat in 2016 and only rise 2.0% in 2017.

“The infrastructure sector is set to stand out, rising 56.9% by 2019 owing to substantial activity in the rail, energy, roads, water and sewerage sub-sectors.  Major projects across the sector will add to generally improving work levels.  Rail work will primarily be driven by Network Rail activity but also boosted by HS2, which the CPA has now included in its forecasts.  In previous forecasts, uncertainty regarding its cost, planning and timing caused it to be excluded.

“The energy sub-sector will be boosted by work on Hinkley Point C where main works are anticipated from 2018, though further delays cannot be ruled out.  Roads construction is also likely to increase throughout the forecast period, by 37.2%, but this is substantially less than was initially expected as Highways England struggles to enact its project pipeline to time and budget.

“There are significant risks to this forecast, however.  First is the uncertainty regarding global economic prospects.  The chief concern remains weakness in China and the effect it can have on other countries.  Second is the EU Referendum, likely due this year.  While we make no assumption about the result, we note the uncertainty around the issue is already affecting investment decisions.  Third and perhaps of most importance for the industry is the urgent challenge around skills shortages.  The availability and cost of skilled labour has clearly impacted the house building sector; the recovery in other sectors is already showing a similar vulnerability.”

Image ref. 148784852 via Shutterstock.com

January PMI figures indicate the weakest expansion of UK construction output for nine months but is still in expansion

The latest UK Construction Sector data pointed to a renewed slowdown in output growth across the whole industry. 

At 55.0, down from 57.8 in December 2015, however the headline seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) still encouragingly remains well above the 50.0 no-change value, but it did signal the slowest rate of expansion since April 2015.

Key points:

• UK construction sector experiences growth slowdown at the start of 2016
• Job creation eases to its slowest for almost two-and-a-half years
• Construction firms report lowest business confidence since December 2014

Moreover, aside from the pre-election slowdown recorded last year, the latest reading was the lowest since June 2013. A number of survey respondents noted that softer new business growth had acted as a brake on output growth and staff hiring at the start of 2016.

Commercial activity is the best performing area
Higher levels of output were recorded across all three broad areas of construction activity monitored by the survey. Commercial work remained the best performing category in January, but the latest upturn was still the slowest since June 2015. At the same time, house building activity expanded at the second-weakest weakest pace for just over two-and-a-half years. Civil engineering was again the weakest performing area of activity overall, despite rebounding slightly from December’s eight-month low.

Mirroring the trend for business activity, latest data signalled a slowdown in new order growth at the start of 2016. The latest increase in incoming new work was the slowest for four months. Survey respondents cited greater caution among clients and less favourable underlying demand conditions. That said, a number of construction companies also noted a sustained upturn in infrastructure-related contracts and new residential building work in January.

The industry is still upbeat for growth in the coming year
Looking ahead, survey respondents remained highly upbeat overall about their prospects for growth over the next 12 months, with around 46% expecting a rise in business activity and only 6% anticipating a reduction. However, the degree of positive sentiment eased for the third month running and was the lowest since December 2014. While there were widespread reports of strong order books and planned company expansions in 2016, some firms highlighted concerns that underlying demand conditions had started to soften.

Job creation slows
Reduced optimism about the business outlook contributed to a moderation in job creation across the construction sector in January. The latest rise in employment numbers was the weakest since September 2013. Construction companies also signalled the slowest upturn in sub-contractor usage for six months. Input buying meanwhile expanded at a weaker rate in January, with the latest rise the least marked since April 2015.

Supply chain pressure persisted in January, as highlighted by a further lengthening of delivery times from vendors. However, lower fuel and energy costs helped to partially offset rising prices for construction materials. Reflecting this, latest data indicated that overall input cost inflation was only slightly stronger than December’s eight-month low.

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

“The sector continued along a slow, relatively steady path this month with continuing growth but at a weaker rate than that seen in recent months and with some lack of clarity on its future destination.

“Struggling to keep up with the recovery of recent months, the new orders index was the lowest for four months and overall activity growth softened, bringing with it lower job hiring and more caution about the sustainability of the current economic climate hit by adverse global conditions.

“The housing sub-sector continued to disappoint and though still above the no change point, was at its second weakest level of growth since June 2013.

“Supply chains were weighed down by the pressures of a shortage of bricks and blocks as delivery times became longer in an attempt to fulfil recent orders from last year. Optimism was still high, however, as business expansion plans continued although at a slightly more muted pace.”

Find out about the latest Construction Industry Sales Jobs >>

Tim Moore, Senior Economist at Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI®, said:

“UK construction firms struggled for momentum at the start of this year, with heightened economic uncertainty acting as a brake on new orders and contributing to one of the weakest rises in output levels since the summer of 2013. Softer growth of house building activity and a more subdued increase in commercial construction were the main factors behind the slowdown.

“Business confidence appears to have subsided across the construction sector, following the multi-year highs seen in 2015. The latest survey indicated that construction companies are less upbeat about their prospects for growth than at any time since December 2014.

“Job creation was sustained in January, but at the weakest pace for almost two-and-a-half years. Greater caution was also evident in terms of input buying at the start of 2016. Taken together with the slowdown in new order growth, the latest survey suggests that construction companies are braced for a relatively subdued first quarter.”

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net Photo by xedos4.

The place to be is KBB!!! - Sales at all time high for bathroom retailers!

UK bathroom retailers are set to see their sales outperform the UK economy this year, according to a new report by MTW Research, which also says that sales are now at an all-time high, now, for the first time over £1 billion.

The results found that 53% of bathroom retailers experienced sales growth over the past 12 months. 

However, all is not plain sailing as the report indicated the market remains 'a little erratic', with some bathroom retailers, distributors and manufacturers experiencing challenging conditions. This is due, says MTW, to online retailers focusing on turnover over profit, eroding prices. Larger bathroom retailers are using more aggressive pricing strategies to compete and gain market share, which is slowing profitability growth and creating pressure for the lower mid-range bathroom market.

MTW research executive James Taylor said: “Although there is an observed fall in margins, industry growth is steady and there are still profit opportunities for smaller bathroom retailers in 2016. This is particularly relevant within the luxury end of the bathroom market, where pricing pressure isn’t as evident and retailers can offer ‘turnkey’ services along with high-end, well-made products to grow profit.”

If you are a Sales Professional and would like to work in the KBB sector, find out more here...

The report also highlighted that the number of multi-generational families living in the same household had increased in the UK and was stimulating growth in the inclusive bathroom market. This, it said, had strengthened demand for bathroom products that offer greater accessibility and ease of use for the whole family.

Retailers also saw a boost from an ageing population and 50+ empty-nesters, who now have access to larger savings for bathroom renovations thanks to changes in the pension system.

The new report also predicted that The Internet of Things market (IoT) will offer growth opportunities across the bathroom retailers market in 2016, as more consumers look for ‘connected’ and digitally-controllable bathrooms with features such as smart showers, remote lighting and Bluetooth speaker integrated mirrors.

The UK Bathroom Retailers market has experienced significant change in recent years, with sales growth opportunities emanating from a number of product sectors as well as competing with Internet Bathroom retailers and other distribution channels.  The 2016 bathroom retailers market report identifies these growth sectors and provides detailed forecasts of bathroom retailers sales & trends to 2020.

The Bathroom Retailers market report 2016 includes quantitative market data based on industry sales, supported by qualitative discussion of key market trends, product mix, leaders rankings, market influences and future prospects.

You can order it here.

Image from Shutterstock.com Image ID:16108276 Copyright: nick vangopoulos

FREE Building Products Sales Career Recruitment Clinics for February 2016

The New Year is already a month old, but how are your plans for a new job going? If opportunity seems to be passing you by, it is time you made things happen. 

However, if you are not sure how best to make your next move, you should take advantage of a FREE evaluation of your career, gain expert guidance on your next move and a look at suitable current vacancies. Interested? 

Arrange to attend our PinBuild Career Development Clinics this February. 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

February clinic dates

• Tuesday 9th February - West Mids (Birmingham)
• Thursday 11th February - North East (Leeds)
• Tuesday 16th February - East Midlands (Notts/Derby)
• Thursday 18th February - South East (Dartford)
• Tuesday 23rd February - South Central (Southampton)
• Thursday 25th February - South West (Bristol)

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

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

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

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

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

Job in Focus: Managing Director required for Aggregates supplier in London - £120k

Our Job in Focus for February is fantastic opportunity to become Managing Director and take full ownership of the management and further development of a major national supplier of Aggregates. Looking for a leader with a strategic mind who will be rewarded with a superb executive package.

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: Managing Director
Job Ref: J6916
Product: Aggregates
Location: London & South East
Salary: £120k

Client: Pinnacle Consulting have been retained by a leading supplier of Aggregates and Building Materials, a well established and respected brand name operating throughout the UK. They are now offer a superb opportunity for someone to develop and grow what is already a very solid and stable company. 

Role: Managing Director - Taking ownership of the full management and development of a division of a major national supplier of Aggregates, the role will involve further developing an already very successful business, providing a unique integrated solution for the supply and haulage of Aggregates throughout the UK. A key influential role at board level, this role will require a combination of strategic leadership and direction as well as the hands on management of a multidiscipline team. 

Area: Candidates will ideally be located in North London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckingshamshire or surrounding areas. 

Person: We are seeking a proven leader with General Management experience and exposure to the full spectrum of responsibilities involved within managing and developing a business. The successful candidate will most likely come from a Plant Hire, Fleet Management background, someone exceptionally strong in regards to Operations and Logistics. It would be significantly beneficial if you have experience within the Building and Construction industry, ideally in relation to Plant or Fleet Management. Furthermore experience within the Construction or Building Product supply chain would be hugely beneficial. 

Benefits: £80,000 - £120,000 + Fantastic executive package. 

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

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