Really encouraging news as the Construction Products Association has announced that activity in the construction industry is rising at a faster pace following the EU referendum than initially expected according to latest forecasts.
Construction output is expected to rise each year between 2017 and 2019, by 1.3% in 2017, 1.2% in 2018 and 2.3% in 2019.
While the figures may fuel hope of a resilient UK construction industry amid Brexit-related anxieties and rising costs, the growth masks a considerable difference in activity across the key construction sectors. Infrastructure projects are expected to be the industry's main growth engine, driven by a strong National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline valued at £300bn over the next four years.
See the latest construction sales jobs>>
In particular, growth to 2019 is expected to be primarily driven by a 34.5% increase in infrastructure activity due to major projects in the energy, rail and water sub-sectors, which would offset expected falls in commercial and industrial construction.
Housebuilding is also expected to remain a key source of growth, with private housebuilding starts rising by 7.2% between 2017 and 2019, underpinned by a continued upward trend in house prices, demand from first-time buyers and the Help to Buy equity loans. In 2016, Help to Buy accounted for 39.8% of new home sales in Q4 and has been a significant government policy for supporting building activity.
Noble Francis, economics director at the CPA, said: "Construction output has been sustained post-referendum, primarily due to projects signed up to before June 2016. Activity is expected to remain strong in the first half of this year in all the key construction sectors: private housing, commercial, industrial and infrastructure. Looking further forward, a fall in contract awards during the second half of last year is likely to impact greatest where Brexit uncertainty affects sectors requiring high investment up front for a long term rate of return, such as commercial offices and industrial factories.
"We forecast that output in commercial offices will fall 1.0% this year and a further 12.0% in 2018. Industrial factories construction is expected to fall 5.0% in 2017 and 4.0% in 2018. However, this is expected to be offset by strong growth in infrastructure and private housing. Infrastructure construction is expected to increase by 7.3% in 2017 and 11.1% in 2018, primarily driven by major projects such as main works at Hinkley Point C and High-Speed 2. Private housing starts are forecast to rise 3.0% in 2017 and 2.0% in both 2018 and 2019.
"Looking forward, given the dependence of construction industry growth on activity in the infrastructure and private housing sectors, it is essential that government focuses on delivery of infrastructure projects in its National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline. In addition, as major housebuilders are reliant upon Help to Buy equity loans, which are due to end in 2021, it is vital that government outlines its plans early to support house building growth as we approach the end of the scheme."
Pic: Shutterstock
Our latest Job in Focus is a National Account sales role servicing major merchant, retailer and distribution accounts at both national an regional level. Our client is a leading manufacturer of electric power and hand tools.
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 Account Manager
Job Ref: J8859
Product: Tools
Location: National
Salary: £50k (60k OTE)
Power Tools to National Distribution
COMPANY: Our client is a leading manufacturer of electric power and hand tools
THE ROLE: Our client is looking for a National Account Manager to manage and develop relationships with the Key National Distributors including Builders Merchants, DIY, Tool Distributors. This role will focus on selling a wide range of quality power tools into the dealer/distributor network which includes DIY, National Merchants and Tool Distributors. The product range is quality and includes drills, circular saws, power screwdrivers, hammer drills, demolition hammers, metalwork tools eg angle grinders, woodwork tools eg sanders and many more. This is an account manager role at National level so dealing with the key decision makers including MD, Directors and Buyers.
AREA: National role servicing major accounts at both national an regional level. Ideally you'll be living within central England which could be Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, West Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire. If you have the experience then our client will consider sales professionals living outside of these counties.
PERSON: You'll be the perfect candidate for this role if you have hand/power tool or consumables experience selling at a National Level. This role needs someone with confidence, drive and experience, negotiating trade agreements with national builders merchants, buying groups or major DIY companies.
SALARY: Up to £50k basic salary with £60k OTE. Company Car, Mobile Phone, Laptop and Pension
For further information or to discuss your career options contact Adam Paine on 01480 405 225 or apply online.
Search for more building products sales jobs >>>
The CPA’s latest State of Trade Survey reports that UK construction product manufacturers registered an increase in sales and activity in the first quarter of 2017. This extends the industry’s period of growth to four years, despite a backdrop of increasing input cost pressures.
The construction products manufacturing industry has an annual turnover of £55 billion, directly providing jobs for 300,000 people across 22,000 companies. Products range from ‘heavy side’ materials such as steel, bricks, timber and concrete to ‘light side’ products such as insulation, boilers, glass and lighting. On an annual basis, 65% of heavy side firms reported that sales had increased in Q1, whilst on the light side, 38% of firms reported that sales were higher than a year earlier.
In Q1, 73% of heavy side manufacturers and 80% of those on the light side reported an increase in costs, with input costs for raw materials, fuel and energy exerting the strongest pressures, owing to the depreciation in Sterling during 2016. Nevertheless, manufacturers envisage a continued rise in activity in the second quarter of this year. Among heavy side manufacturers, 68% on balance anticipate a rise in sales in Q2 and a balance of 47% of light side manufacturers anticipate a rise during the same period.
Rebecca Larkin, CPA Senior Economist said: “Construction product manufacturers have shaken off the pessimism over future performance evident at the end of last year and appear more confident that further rises in costs will not have a negative impact on demand and construction activity over the next 12 months.
“Heavy side manufacturers were most exposed to the effects of Sterling’s depreciation with 93% of firms reporting a rise in raw materials costs and 69% reporting higher costs for fuel and energy in Q1. On balance, they were also the most optimistic on near-term sales expectations, implying that the wider construction supply chain is actively managing its cost pressures.
“With Brexit-related uncertainty still providing a downside risk to decision-making, however, it is important that government provides certainty over the pipeline for large public sector and infrastructure projects that will help sustain activity.”
Key survey findings include:
- A balance of 45% of heavy side firms and 38% of light side firms reported that construction product sales rose in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the fourth quarter of 2016
- On an annual basis, sales rose for 65% of heavy side firms and 38% of firms on the light side, on balance
- On balance, 68% of heavy side manufacturers anticipated a rise in sales in Q2, improving from a balance of 6% in 2016 Q4
- On the light side, 47% of firms expected an increase in product sales in the next quarter, compared to a balance of 29% in 2016 Q4
- Annual cost increases were reported by 73% of heavy side manufacturers and 80% of those on the light side
- Raw materials costs rose according to 93% of both heavy side and light side manufacturers
- 85% of heavy side manufacturers and all light side manufacturers anticipate a rise in costs over the next year
Take a look at the latest Construction Sales Job>>>
As we reach the height of Spring, everything around us seems new and fresh. If you'd like to bring this into your professional life and make a new start, we have an increasing number of high quality sales positions available now.
There may be a job ready for you to eggsplore today!! Take a look at our latest sales jobs in the construction industry.
Easter is about new beginnings. Start yours today.
Our specialist industry recruitment consultants are always available to meet or speak to you, so if you would like to discuss a career move, or your recruitment needs, please call us on 01480 405225.
Happy Easter from everyone at Pinnacle Consulting.
March data revealed a slowdown in growth across the UK construction sector, led by a weaker rise in residential building activity. The latest survey also pointed to only a marginal increase in new work, which contributed to slower employment growth and a slight decline in input buying.
However, construction companies remain relatively upbeat about their near-term growth prospects, partly reflecting a stabilisation of client confidence from the post-referendum lows seen in 2016. Optimism regarding year-ahead business activity picked up in March to its second-highest since December 2015.
The seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) dropped from 52.5 in February to 52.2 in March, to signal the joint-slowest upturn in overall construction output since the current period of expansion began in September 2016. Softer growth primarily reflected a loss of momentum in housing activity, which offset a rebound in both commercial and civil engineering activity. The latest increase in work on civil engineering projects was the fastest so far in 2017 and the strongest of the three sub-categories monitored by the survey in March.
Subdued new business growth persisted in March, with the rate of expansion unchanged from the four-month low seen in February. Construction companies noted that squeezed client budgets had acted as a brake on new business growth. There were also reports citing planning delays and greater cost consciousness among clients.
At the same time, survey respondents noted that reduced Brexit-related anxiety and the resilient economic backdrop had a positive impact on new invitations to tender. This helped underpin an improvement in business confidence regarding the growth outlook. Almost half of the survey panel expect a rise in business activity during the year ahead, against only 9% that forecast a decline.
Construction companies recorded a solid increase in employment numbers in March, although the pace of job creation eased to a three-month low. Meanwhile, sub-contractor usage dipped slightly since February, but construction firms continued to report a sharp drop in the availability of sub-contractors.
Input buying declined for only the second time since September 2016, which was mainly linked to subdued new business growth in March. Supplier performance nonetheless deteriorated at one of the fastest rates seen over the past two years, driven by low stocks among vendors.
Input cost inflation remained strong in March, linked to higher prices for imported materials and global commodity price rises. However, the overall rate of cost inflation eased further from the eight-and-half year peak seen in January.
Duncan Brock, Director of Customer Relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said:
“Where the housing sector acted as the main engine of growth over the last four years, this month it was slower and stuttering, while overall purchasing activity in the construction sector was disappointingly tame, shackled by a lack of new orders and rising costs.
“This downbeat effect took a small bite out of any strong rises in employment levels, as the increase in staff hiring was at a three-month low. But as the sector showed strong optimism for future business, concerns over the skilled labour availability are likely to persist in coming months.
“Pressure on suppliers remained intense, as they battled against lower stocks and made greater efforts to fight the pincer movement of a shortage in some materials and the continued force of higher global commodity prices.
“Now the trigger has been pulled to propel the UK out of the EU, the construction sector must keep an attentive eye on how the UK Government’s negotiations will play out and whether consumer and business caution returns to hamper further progress.”
Tim Moore, Senior Economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI®, said:
“UK construction firms experienced a growth slowdown in March, with the loss of momentum centred on housebuilding. A weaker trend for residential work has been reported throughout 2017 so far, which provides an indication that the cooling UK housing market has started to act as a drag on the construction sector.
“Civil engineering projects were the construction sector’s main growth engine in March, driven by rising infrastructure spending and a strong pipeline of new work throughout the UK.
“March data showed a slight rebound in commercial construction activity. Survey respondents noted that the resilient economic backdrop and receding Brexit-related anxieties have helped to stabilise client demand after the disruption to development projects last summer.
“Despite a relatively subdued rise in new work during March, UK construction firms reported a more sanguine assessment of their year-ahead growth prospects. Business confidence was among the highest seen since the end of 2015, which construction companies linked to upcoming tender opportunities, plans for increased marketing expenditure and hopes of a sustained recovery in clients’ willingness to spend.”
Picture from Shutterstock
15. It is just a number, but for Pinnacle Consulting it is a very special number as this Saturday, 15 years ago, saw our arrival in the building products sales recruitment sector. It seems like only yesterday.
We thought it would be interesting to reminisce and take a look at what was going on back in that period. So, lets rewind for a moment….
- April 6th: Arsenal beat Spurs 2-1 with goals from Ljungberg and Lauren
- April 6th: Jim Culloty riding Bindaree wins the 155th Grand National
- April 9th: The Queen Mother’s funeral
- April 14th: Tiger Woods wins the 66th Masters Golf Tournament
- UK Number One Single: Gareth Gates with Unchained Melody
- UK Number One Album: Moby with Play
- Average weekly wage: £391
- Big at the cinema: Ice Age, Blade II, Ali G Indahouse, The Scorpion King
- Popular on TV: 24, Eastenders, SM:tv, Stars In Their Eyes
- Recently departed: Kenneth Wolstenholme, Dudley Moore, Barry Took, Spike Milligan
Suddenly everything does seem such a long time ago, especially the Arsenal part!
What were you doing in 2002?
Our thoughts on 15 years in business
When you strip down all the misconceptions about the recruitment industry, ultimately recruitment - when done properly and with integrity - should be considered a vital human support service.
The focus should be to help individuals achieve their dreams, reach their potential, and ensure they are able to support their families and enjoy life. And from the other side, seeing businesses grow, partially because of the calibre of people we have managed to match to their business is equally as rewarding. If that doesn’t make recruitment a worthwhile industry, I don’t know what does.
Colin Hoy and I still get a buzz when we place someone and make their day and solve a problem for a company, and if that stops, then we have failed our industry.
It has been an incredible 15 years and we’d like to thank everyone who has worked for us and with us.
If you would like to discuss a current recruitment requirement, please contact us on 01480 405225 or email recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk
Take a look at our current vacancies >>
Sometimes you have to take a gamble in life and really believe in yourself.
And inspiration can come from unexpected places.
In this weekend’s Grand National there is a horse running called Perfect Candidate.
It might not win, but by entering the race he has a chance.
If he had not entered, it would not stand a chance.
Even if he loses, the experience will increase the likelihood of winning next time.
If you do not believe, you will never achieve your goal.
You could be the Perfect Candidate but never enter the race to prove it.
So the next time you see a job that you know you could do, apply.
You are probably the Perfect Candidate for it.
To register for the race, contact us today. You could be crossing the winning line sooner than you think! 01480 405225 recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk
Take a look at our current runners and riders>>
Pictures from Shutterstock Horses People
Sometimes you have to take a gamble in life and really believe in yourself.
And inspiration can come from unexpected places.
In this weekend’s Grand National there is a horse running called Perfect Candidate.
It might not win, but by entering the race he has a chance.
If he had not entered, he would not stand a chance.
Even if it loses, the experience will increase the likelihood of winning next time.
If you do not believe, you will never achieve your goal.
You could be the Perfect Candidate but never enter the race to prove it.
So the next time you see a job that you know you could do, apply.
You are probably the Perfect Candidate for it.
To register for the race, contact us today. You could be crossing the winning line sooner than you think! 01480 405225 recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk
Take a look at our current runners and riders>>
Pictures from Shutterstock Horses People
Spring is officially here, the clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and the positive feelings generated should be used to start looking for that career defining job you've been thinking about throughout the Winter!
We can help you start this process.
Don’t delay, arrange a Skype Consultation with us today!
At Pinnacle Consulting, we can arrange a Skype consultation with a candidate almost immediately.
This ultimately helps us to quickly assess your needs and aspirations in greater detail than a phone call, CV and covering email.
It also allows us to react effectively to a live recruitment situation, ensuring you don’t miss out on a potentially superb career changing opportunity.
In most instances, we would still arrange to meet you physically face-to-face at a later date, as this further enhances the close and long-term relationships we build with all our candidates.
We will promise to be nice and understanding about using this form of communication. However, it will become more and more common as you progress your career, so a more informal practice with us can only help prepare you to shine in a more formal Skype interview with a potential employer. It will happen, so embrace and hone your skills, starting today.
Call us on 01480 405225 or email us at recruit@pinnacleconsulting.co.uk
It could be the most important appointment of your career
Our new Job in Focus is a senior role national role. As Sales Director you would lead and manage a field sales team of 12 across the UK and Ireland. You would be working for a leading manufacturer of roofing products to merchants, contractors, developers, housebuilders and architects. £100k 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: Sales Director
Job Ref: J8829
Product: Roofing
Location: National including Ireland
Salary: £90k
UK & Ireland Sales Director managing a field sales team of 12 for a Roofing Manufacturer.
Package: £60K - £90K + 10K OTE. Company Car, Mobile, Laptop, Pension + flexible benefits.
Employer: Established and ambitious manufacturer of roofing products. A fantastic and innovative business with consistent natural growth.
Job Description: Responsible for managing a 12 man team across the UK and Ireland. You will be responsible for devising and implementing the sales strategy, gaining consistent growth and the management of the team. You will also spend some time with the commercial support of operations within the UK. The business currently operates via a varied route to market working with contractors, developers, housebuilders, merchants as well as architects.
Location: Field based covering the UK & Ireland. Candidates can live anywhere throughout the UK however someone in a central location i.e. Birmingham, Oxford, London, Bristol etc.
Candidate: We are seeking a proven and driven man manager from the roofing market. The ideal candidate will have experience working for a manufacturer however successful managers who work for distributors or merchants that specialise in this product group will also be considered.
For further information or to discuss your career options contact Luke Rootham on 01480 405225 or apply onlineSearch for more building products sales jobs >>>
The 2017 NMBS Exhibition will be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry this week (Wednesday 5th April).
The NMBS Exhibition has become one of the most prestigious and most anticipated events on the merchant calendar.
The day is renowned for its on-the-day exclusive deals, and the ability to network with suppliers, influencers, and old and new friends in the merchant sector. And who can forget the Gala Dinner - always held the night before the exhibition to get everyone in the mood!
Interested in working in the Merchant sector? Find out more >>
Last year’s show was recognised as the biggest and best in its near fifty year history. The event attracted 906 merchant visitors and in excess of 250 NMBS suppliers took advantage of the opportunity to appear at the show, with all exhibitors offering additional rebate as well as incentives such as spot buy opportunities to encourage trading.
Visitors were also able to benefit from further discounts and deals, as well as free product giveaways thanks to initiatives like the ever-popular NMBS Voucher Book. All told, the 2016 Exhibition broke records for both the number and the value of orders placed on the day.
NMBS EXHIBITION IN NUMBERS
- Over 260 Exhibitors
- Over 850 Delegates attended
- 92% rated the exhibition as Excellent or Good
- 91% rated the location Ricoh Arena as Excellent or Good
- 63% of members increased the number/value of orders
- 56% of suppliers saw an increase in the number of orders placed on the day
- 92% of suppliers see meeting new customers as a high priority
- 16% of members placed over 50 orders on the day
- 98% of those who attended in 2016 will attend in 2017
NMBS MD Chris Hayward said at the time: “Every year the NMBS Exhibition continues to surpass expectation and we’re delighted that this year’s event has maintained that tradition. We’ve had highly positive feedback from both our members and suppliers with most exhibitors commenting on how consistently busy they were from the moment the doors opened to when the show closed.”
