Monday 22 December 2014

Construction set to drive UK economy



According to the CPA (Construction Products Association), the Construction sector is predicted further growth of 23%  by 2018. These statistics are reinforced by CIBT (Construction Industry and Training Board) who predict as many as as 200,000 new jobs being created over the next 5 years.

What does this mean for the sector and how does this translate for recruitment? Figures suggest an increased confidence in the sector with companies now required to upskill their existing workforce and attract new talented recruits capable of adopting new technologies in order for businesses to maintain their competitive advantage in the workplace.

One reported problem however is the lack of interest expressed by young talent in a career in construction.  This is a problem as  economic growth depends on finding this talent to fuel it.
The challenge for any company in a volatile environment is attracting and appointing the right candidates quickly to strengthen the leadership team and bridge the skills shortage to meet modern methods of construction technologies.

Macallam Interim recognise that it is people that build success and the breadth and scale of our experience enables us to appoint executives to help drive business  forward. We work in partnership with our clients in order to develop strong relationships that benefit all those involved.

For a confidential discussion please call 01423 704153

Tuesday 16 December 2014

What does Building Information Modelling (BIM) really mean for the Construction sector?



Building  Information Modelling (BIM) is not a new phenomenon.  Its adoption is however slowly starting to gather pace as the 2016 Government compliancy due date draws closer. By 2016, Government procured constuction builds / projects will require BIM level 2.  This is going to be a real game changer as it is the first truly global digital construction technology and will soon be deployed globally. 

Whilst smaller SME’s see this as an industry challenge, some larger contractors are recognising the business benefits that BIM represents to the company as a whole. Recognisng that BIM know-how can accelerate their position and help to maintain a competitive advantage in the market place. Having the know-how means having the right people and talent in place to ensure BIM benefits are fully realised throughout the company.

BIM should not be seen as only a technical requirement but a whole new approach to working  both in terms of people and processes. Whilst on face value data appears to be the key driver, it essentially translates into collaborative working across multi disciplines.  Any change should be core to the company and it is skilled Project Managers that are needed to create capable project conditions ready for the use of BIM.

It is clear that people are going to be central to the successful implementation of BIM processes and as more companies realise  the company benefits of BIM there will be added focus on recruitment of the right people both to fulfill permanent positions and for short term help though the engagement of Interim Executives.

BIM  is still not common practice within the industry but businesses in the sector should not run the risk of being left behind.

For more information please see;

If you would like a confidential discussion about how we might help by providing people to get your business ready, then please call 01423 704153.

Wednesday 17 September 2014

Predicted growth in International Interim Assignments



As we go through 2014, we are experiencing increasing demand for clients requiring short term flexible resource to help both in the UK and internationally.  As a member firm of the IMA (Interim Management Association) we see the latest figures purport that 89% of all UK Interim Management providers believe international assignments will increase in 2015.
Business challenges are global and there is a comparable need internationally for help with transformation, projects, operations, strategic business development, business improvement, restructuring and turnaround. As in the UK, there is increasing demand for specialist skills for short term, business critical needs and it’s not always possible to find this resource on a local basis.  

The interim market represents a flexible, short term solution for organisations that lack the capacity or internal capability to drive specific projects forward and whilst they can source a strong fit culturally on a local basis, the ability to tap into an existing proven talent resource is becoming increasingly valuable with our overseas and our UK based clients with international operations.  

International assignments do tend to be shorter in duration than UK assignments but we find this works well for those interim's executives working overseas.

Macallam has strong experience of working with overseas clients and candidates around Europe and further afield and whilst it represents a smaller percentage of our placements we concur with the IMA’s findings and look forward to helping our clients with international operations shape their business.

For more information please contact Steven Wynne on 01423 704153.

The good news is set to continue



The latest Ipsos MORI survey completed by IMA (Interim Management Association) members for Q2 has seen a further increase for Interim Managers by 4%, illustrating that whilst confidence amongst business continues to strengthen there is still caution in recruiting permanent staff.

A particular field of growth for Interim Managers has been within Programme Management and Project Management roles and this has certainly been reflected by our client demand of late. Figures report that 66% of all Interim Managers on assignment are engaged within this capacity compared with 49% in Q1.

Business services are also a prominent sector for Interim managers illustrating the ongoing importance of the flexible resourcing options during business growth stage.  Companies also remain focused on lean management and reducing head count as managing costs is still an important objective and therefore value, delivery and ROI are important success factors when engaging an Interim manager.

Statistics would suggest that experienced Interim managers are to remain an important resourcing solution for some time to come with assignments in progress in Q2 remaining high.

For more information please contact Steven Wynne on 01423 704153.

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Demand for Interim Managers is soaring



It is great news for experienced Interim Managers as demand is continuing to soar.  The latest Ipsos MORI survey completed by IMA members for Q1 has already seen an increase of 15% together with an 18% increase in fresh enquiries from clients for interim candidates; a reflection of the general upturn in the UK economy.

Other interesting findings substantiated by our figures here is an increase in public sector assignments which are reportedly up from 30% to 44%.  Also highlighted in the report as one of the key areas to benefit has been Sales and Marketing where there have previously been fewer opportunities for Interim Managers. 

There are good times for interims with the right skills as demand is strong and day rates are still rising so clients are being forced to act quickly to appoint the best candidate. However, organisation’s expectations are also changing and with focus still around business transformation and consolidation; adding value is the client’s key driver.

The challenge for any business  with a short term business critical need is appointing the best candidate in the shortest possible time and ensuring that the interim delivers on a number of key criteria. Macallam provides a shortlist of the most appropriate candidates within days of the client briefing and we ensure the long term success of our placements based on creating mutually beneficial relationships.