It's a far cry from accompanying police on early morning drugs raids!

Former journalist, Natalie Matthews is promoted to our new Business Manager.

Recruitment agencies need to recruit too, and we experience the same challenges, frustrations and disappointments as everyone else.

Like anyone recruiting, we need to find the best and most appropriate fit for our business, enabling us to thrive, whilst maintaining our in-house philosophy and integrity.

It’s vitally important that the person we recruit to lead our Consultants shares our values.

An excellent indicator that the recruiter has got it right is when an internal promotion takes place. It is not only a reward for the hard work of the employee, but the recruiter also benefits from the valuable experience that person has of your company, which means newcomers can be effectively integrated into the team.

Natalie was recently promoted to Business Manager and as part of our desire to give people an insight into the workings of a recruitment agency, we caught up with her to find out more.

“I had no idea what to expect!”

An excellent trait of a recruitment consultant is being able to spot potential. Helping candidates identify how their existing skills are either relevant or transferable to succeed in roles they might not have considered is a rare and valuable talent. We identified this in Natalie when we recruited her six years ago.

“I joined as a Trainee Consultant from a journalism background with no previous sales or recruitment training. I was a Senior Reporter for a local newspaper, where one day I could be covering a cheetah escaping from a zoo and the next accompanying police on early morning drug raids.

Natalie Matthews

“When I joined Pinnacle I had no idea what to expect, but I was given first-class training and support, which I continue to receive, and this is invaluable as I am now able to pass this onto the team.”

One thing that often people don’t realise is how diverse, challenging and rewarding the role of a recruitment consultant can be.

“You have to develop trusting relationships with clients and candidates, making sure you understand candidates’ knowledge, personality and aspirations, as well as understanding the recruiting company’s needs, culture and future direction.

“You learn diplomacy, empathy and the importance of communication and honesty being the best policy. It is a real buzz knowing you’ve helped someone, but it is equally important not to shy away from providing honest feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Integrity is vital in recruitment

So what does Natalie’s new role involve and how does she hope to take it forward?

“This is my first step into management and I am really excited about it, although I see the role as more of a mentor, being on hand to support and develop the team, enabling us to be even more successful.

“Our consultants are dedicated and take pride in their job. They care about the candidates and clients they work with and strive to provide the best possible level of service. I'm exceptionally proud to work with such a team and for an agency that has built up a fantastic reputation over the last 16 years based on integrity.

“We view placements on a long-term basis, and a large proportion of the people we place go on to become our clients. Our client list is a testament to our place in the market as the leading specialist agency for the placement of sales, sales management and marketing professionals within the building products sector.

“We are proud of our many recommendations and referrals and I will endeavour to reach out to companies and candidates that are yet to benefit from our specialist service.”

The challenges

The construction industry has, and will, continue to experience challenging times including recession, recovery and Brexit. The employees of companies are the people who can help make a difference, but good employees are hard to find as Natalie explains.

www.pinnacleconsulting.co.uk

“Good candidates aren’t readily available. This means that these are frustrating times for those recruiting, but working with Pinnacle as an industry specialist means our extensive candidate network and tools at our disposal means we can help.”

It is important to remember that a reputable agency wants to develop long-term and successful relationships.

“We realise that finding the right person as quickly as possible who will add value to your company is vitally important.”

Everyone at Pinnacle would like to wish Natalie success in her new role. Please feel free to contact her on 01480 405225 or via natalie@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk if you have a current recruitment requirement, either as a client or as a candidate. She is no longer available to assist on early morning drugs raids, though!

Meet us at ECOBUILD 7-9th March

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. Perfect to help you improve in your current role or if you are looking towards your next move.

Ecobuild has been a shining light of UK building and construction industry for the last decade, this year's show is about Regeneration. It takes place at EXCEL, London between 7-9th March 2017.

Meet us there!

Our consultants will also be at the show, so contact us in advance, if you want to meet to discuss your career options in the building and construction products industry. 01480 405225 or recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk 

More about the show...

Inspiring, informing and connecting the entire built environment with solutions to build better communities.

Ecobuild is the number one event for forward-thinking professionals in the built environment. No other UK event attracts over 33,000 high calibre, senior level decision makers and influencers from architects and developers to local government and major infrastructure clients.

Against a backdrop of political and economic change, with unprecedented demand and opportunities for infrastructure and housing, Ecobuild has never been more relevant.

This year the theme is Regeneration. Ecobuild will be regenerated into an immersive city - complete with main street, distinct destinations and special feature attractions. Central to the experience will be Regeneration Drive, a boulevard running through the middle of Ecobuild, linking different aspects of the exhibition and enabling you to experience the very best examples of innovation and creativity from across the built environment. Find out what's on at Ecobuild 2017 this March.

Exhibition
Source new and innovative products and solutions from hundreds of progressive suppliers.
http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/exhibitors

Conference
Discover ideas driving growth, collaboration and economic advantage for a more sustainable future at the conference.
http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/agenda

Features and Seminars
Join feature theatres and CPD accredited seminars for sustainability, infrastructure, green infrastructure & building performance.
http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/what%27s-on

Register as a visitor
https://registration.n200.com/survey/0dcugi1l7eh4g

Kitchens are getting bigger and bigger says new Houzz report

Houzz has just published its annual Kitchen Trends Study. It makes a fascinating read for all those involved in the KBB industry, as well as from a personal viewpoint for our own homes. 

One of the main changes the report highlights is that today, the kitchen is the hub of family life, rather than just a functional room. It serves as a dining room, a meeting room, a study, a social room, a place to prepare food, or just to leave notes for each other on the fridge door!

And with so much time being spent in the kitchen (60% of homeowners spend three hours or more a day in the kitchen according the study), it is only natural that kitchens are becoming bigger and using their space better.

According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 63% of us are increasing the size of our kitchens and with the trend towards open-plan living continuing, 59% are opening the space up to other rooms and 52% are opening up to the outdoors.

See the latest KBB sales and marketing jobs>>>

But why do people update their kitchen? Basically, people like to change with the times, adapt or put their own personal stamp on their home.

According to the Houzz study, 30% of homeowners choose to renovate because they “cannot stand the old kitchen” while 26% had a deteriorated or broken kitchen, which was no longer fit for purpose. And, 42% of homeowners said they had purchased a home recently and wanted to make it their own.

There are so many more interesting facts to be found and it is a must for anyone with an interest in kitchen design, innovation and products. You can download the full report here.

Photo: Stock Photo: Woman picking oven for domestic kitchen in studio or furniture store

Image ID:231988105 Copyright: Kzenon. Via Shutterstock.

Latest Reed Job Index Highlights Construction as a Key Growth sector

Construction and property industry jobs have grown by nearly 20% in the last year, the REED Job Index has revealed – showing that the post Brexit employment market continues to grow.

The increase from January last year was among the most significant sector rises and helped the index as a whole achieve a 5.5% lift. Other sectors experiencing significant year on year rises include Manufacturing (+24.1%), Retail (+17.7%) and Engineering (+10.6%).

Every region of the UK has continued to see year on year growth in job vacancies, the index showed. James Reed, chairman of reed.co.uk said: “There’s a lot of uncertainty in world politics at the moment, but our data shows that in spite of everything the UK jobs market remains buoyant.

“With year-on-year rises in job vacancies across every region, we can approach the triggering of Article 50 with the knowledge employment remains robust across the entire country.”

The good news comes as predictions for future economic growth have again been revised upwards by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research think tank.

Search for the Latest Construction Sales Jobs>>

However, year on year falls in the Apprenticeships and Training sectors within the index remain a concern.

JOB INDEX: JANUARY 2017

• The Job Index is at 267 for January
• The Job Index is up 5.5% YoY
• The Job Index is down 0.7% MoM (due to seasonality)

BY SECTOR

Year on Year Growth:
1. Purchasing +37.6%
2. Security & Safety +25.1%
3. Manufacturing +24.1%
4. Transport & Logistics +20.8%
5. Graduate Training & Internships +19.4%

Year on Year Decline:
1. Training -54.3%
2. Social Care -26.5%
3. Estate Agency -20.1%
4. Apprenticeships -14.0%
5. Energy -12.5%

Month on Month Growth:
1. Apprenticeships +2.9%
2. Graduate Training & Internships +0.9%
3. Leisure & Tourism 0.0%
4. Media, Digital & Creative -0.2%
5. Financial Services -1.0%

Month on Month Decline:
1. Education -18.1%
2. Energy -17.5%
3. Transport & Logistics -15.2%
4. Health & Medicine -12.1%
5. FMCG -5.6%

BY REGION

Year on Year Growth:
1. Northern Ireland +76.7%
2. Wales +20.1%
3. North East England +8.5%
4. West Midlands (Region) +8.4%
5. South West England +7.6%
6. Scotland +7.6%
7. Yorkshire and Humberside +6.8%
8. North West England +6.4%
9. East Anglia +6.0%
10. East Midlands +5.5%
11. London +4.1%
12. South East (excl. London) +2.1%

Month on Month Growth:
1. Northern Ireland +10.3%
2. East Anglia +2.9%
3. South East (excl. London) +1.6%
4. Scotland +0.8%
5. South West England +0.4%
6. Yorkshire and Humberside 0.0%
7. London 0.0%
8. North West England -1.4%
9. Wales -1.5%
10. West Midlands (Region) -1.6%
11. North East England -4.7%
12. East Midlands -5.6%

Photo from Shutterstock image 215932267

Job in Focus for February: Regional Sales Manager for Roofing Products via Specification - £50k + bonus

Our February Job in Focus is National Sales Management role for a rapidly growing supplier of roofing products. They require a specification sales professional to develop new business with contractors, architects, and installers. £50k plus bonus/car/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: Regional Sales Manager
Job Ref: J8604
Product: Roofing
Location: National
Salary: £50k

Leading supplier of roofing products. Selling to contractors, architects, and installers. 

Package: Up to £50K plus bonus, Company Car, Mobile, Laptop, Pension. 

Company: Leading supplier offering a range of flat and pitched roofing products as well as related ancillaries. A rapidly growing business with extensive growth opportunities. 

The Job: A fantastic progressive opportunity. This will be heading up the flat roofing aspect of the business, you will be responsible for generating new business with contractors, architects, and installers. This role also encompasses developing and implementing the strategy for growth within this product range and as this side of the business grows it will have a team that you will form below you. 

Area: National role - Candidates can be based anywhere throughout the UK, however, someone based in Midlands or North would ideal such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle etc. 

Person: We are seeking a proven sales professional with experience selling flat roofing products and implementing a sales strategy/managed a team. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of specification however contractor facing candidates will also be considered. 

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

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

Search for more building products sales jobs >>>

Job creation in the construction industry at an eight month high but the price of materials increase sharply

The good news from a new survey is that UK’s builders increased their output in January, generating an 8-month high in job creation with healthy demand for new homes in particular driving this. However, there are signs of concern as growth slowed down a little on the month, and the price of construction materials increased sharply.

The Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) slipped from 54.2 in December to 52.2 in January. Any score of above 50 indicates growth, so the industry is still expanding but the pace of improvement has slowed down.

January data revealed a slowdown in construction sector growth, with business activity and incoming new work both expanding at weaker rates than at the end of 2016. Despite this, survey respondents signalled that confidence regarding the year-ahead outlook picked up to its strongest since December 2015, largely reflecting new project starts and a resilient economic backdrop. This contributed to the fastest rise in employment numbers since May 2016. Meanwhile, exchange rate depreciation against the euro and the US dollar resulted in the strongest rate of input cost inflation since August 2008.

The headline index signalled the weakest rise in overall business activity since the post-referendum recovery began in September 2016. All three sub-sectors (housing, commercial and civil engineering) recorded softer rates of output growth in January. Although housebuilding remained the best performing category, the latest expansion was the weakest for five months.

Slower growth of business activity largely reflected a moderation in new order gains at the start of 2017. The latest rise in new work was the least marked since October 2016. While some construction firms commented on a boost to sales from improving domestic economic conditions, there were also reports citing subdued willingness to spend among clients in January.

There were more positive trends in terms of staff hiring across the construction sector at the start of 2017, which survey respondents mainly attributed to planned project starts during the coming months. The latest increase in employment numbers was the fastest for eight months, while sub-contractor usage rose at the steepest pace since December 2015.

Stronger job creation also reflected a sustained improvement in business confidence among construction companies in January. More than half of the survey panel (51%) forecast a rise in business activity over the next 12 months, while only 7% anticipate a reduction. The index measuring construction firms’ year-ahead expectations has now picked up in five of the past six months.

Meanwhile, latest data indicated a modest rebound in input buying in response to increased workloads and forthcoming project starts. This resulted in greater pressure on supplier capacity, with lead times from vendors lengthening to the largest degree since June 2015.

Average cost burdens increased at the steepest pace for almost eight-and-a-half years in January. This was widely linked to rising prices for imported materials at the start of 2017.

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

“Despite the biggest rise in input costs since August 2008, the sector was in buoyant mood at the start of the year, with the highest level of confidence since December 2015.

“Continuing cost pressures from the weak pound and escalating commodity prices failed to impact significantly on purchasing volumes , as input buying increased following last month’s slight fall while job creation rose to an eight-month high. Previously stalled projects and plans were given the go-ahead as the sector ensured sufficient staff resource was in place to meet future demand.

“However, the dark cloud on the horizon was the continuing pressures on supply chains. Material shortages, lengthening delivery times and supplier performance, the weakest since June 2015, could become a roadblock to the sector’s continuing growth.

“In the short term at least, the outlook is positive, as long as economic conditions remain supportive and firms are able to control their rising costs.”

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

“UK construction firms experienced a subdued start to 2017, with all the key categories of activity losing momentum. While housebuilding retained its position as the fastest growing part of the construction sector, the latest upturn was the weakest since the post-referendum rebound emerged in September 2016.

“New business volumes also expanded at a softer pace in January, but there were more positive trends in terms of staff hiring and business optimism regarding the year-ahead outlook. The latest survey revealed an accelerated rise in payroll numbers at construction companies, as well as the fastest upturn in sub-contractor usage since the end of 2015. A number of survey respondents commented on a boost to their workloads from the resilient economic backdrop, alongside a strong pipeline of new project starts in 2017.

“Meanwhile, the weak pound continued to have an inflationary impact on the UK construction sector in January. Purchasing costs increased at the strongest rate for almost eight-and-a-half years, as suppliers sought to pass on higher prices for commodities and imported construction materials.”


Photo: From Shutterstock

Construction and Building Industry FREE Career Clinics for UK Sales Professionals - Feb. 2017

OK, so January is out of the way now. It was a long hard month but February is a month where spring is in sight and spirits start to rise again. It is a short month too!

So if January has been difficult to motivate yourself, it is now time to wake from your slumber and start looking for that fresh new job with Spring approaching

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.

What next?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 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 2017

• Wednesday 15th February - Dartford   
• Thursday 16th February -  Leeds
• Wednesday 22nd February - Birmingham
• Thursday 23rd February - Notts / Derby
• Tuesday 28th February – 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.