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PRO INSTALLER AUGUST 2014
PRO BUSINESS
@proinstaller1
Skills
shortages
affecting
building
industry,
warns FMB
Skills shortages in the
building industry are
affecting the economic
recovery, according to a
recent survey from the
Federation of Master
Builders (FMB).
Commenting on the results
of the FMB’s State of Trade
Survey for the second
quarter of 2014, Brian Berry,
Chief Executive of the FMB,
said:
“More than a third of
construction SMEs tell us
that they are struggling
to recruit the bricklayers
they need to stay on top of
their workloads. Plasterers
are almost as difficult to
come by with 27% of firms
saying they are having difficulty finding these skilled
tradesmen. The results act
as a stark warning that the
government must not take
the recovery in the construction sector for granted.
Although this snapshot of
small construction firms
marks the fifth consecutive
quarter of positive results,
if we don’t have enough of
the right people to complete
the work, private and public
projects could be stalled
across the board.
“Looking ahead, construction SMEs are still hugely
concerned about the impact
of the government’s apprenticeship funding reforms.
Area Manager - Camden Trade Centre
The Camden Group are looking for Area Managers to join their existing
team as they develop and expand their Trade Centre network. Each Area
Manager will be responsible for the development of their area including
locating the town for each Trade Centre, the recruitment and training of
staff as well as the overall sales and marketing responsibility.
Are you passionate about
customer service?
• Can you lead and develop a team of skilled
individuals?
• Do you have experience of managing
multiply locations?
• Do you want to join the UK's leading
independent Manufacture of Windows and
Doors?
If they are implemented as
proposed, most micro-businesses, which currently train
two-thirds of all construction apprentices, are likely
to stop hiring apprentices
altogether.
‘new UK jobs’
“CITB forecast that
182,000 new UK jobs are
expected to be created in
the construction industry by
2018 so this is not the time
to jeopardise the ability of
small firms to continue their
proud history of training
apprentices.”
2 Positions Available
Our Area Managers possess a broad variety
of backgrounds. Many have previous
experience within the window and door
industry as well as trade outlets on one kind
or another, you may have experience within
a builders merchant environment or similar
customer focused trade environments such
as DIY, Electricals, tool hire etc.
A successful Area Manager will
possess a broad range of skills
and abilities including:
Every Area Manager will earn a competitive
basic salary with potential to earn additional
bonus.
• The ability to exceed customer expectations.
Additional benefits include the use of a
company car, laptop or Ipad, mobile phone
and access to pension after qualifying
period.
• Great coaching, mentoring and staff
development skills.
• Sound commercial awareness and
judgement.
• The ability to prioritise and make the right
decision within a constantly changing
environment.
Camden Trade Centre is a successful and
growing business. In the last 12 months we
have opened 6 new centres and plan 15
more in and around the UK.
For an application form please call Human
Resources on 028 9446 2419 or download
from: www.camdengroup.co.uk/recruitment
Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from
one of over 650 trade counters.
Fairtrades Consumer
Finance Option Extends
One Stop Service Offer
Leading home improvement trade
association, FairTrades, has signed
an agreement with long established
sector specialist, Shermin Finance, to
extend the organisation’s ‘one stop’
offer for its trade members and home
owners.
Chosen from a list of potential partners,
FairTrades was impressed with the straightforward and easy POS credit products provided
by Shermin that allow homeowners and
tradesmen alike, to understand easily the options available and the terms and conditions
of what they may be undertaking.
A range of schemes can now be offered by
FairTrades’ members including Buy Now Pay
Later, interest-free, interest-bearing and simple
low rate. The service competes with banks,
building societies and other lenders both in
rates but more crucially, on service levels.
Shermin backs its offer through a nationwide team of experienced account managers
on hand, says the company, to help, train
and advise installers throughout the finance
provision process. FairTrade’s Steve Turner
says: “There has never been a better time for
tradesmen to offer their customers finance
and our partnership with Shermin allows
them to do so confidently with ease.”
www.fairtrades.co.uk or
call 08707 384 858.
ADF PLASTICS LTD