Conservatory companies forecast growth

Sales

A balance of 26% (the difference between 40% who sold more and 14% who sold less) of conservatory fabricators reported better sales in February 2007 compared with January 2007 in the Monthly Index sponsored by Eurocell Profiles Ltd. Large firms (net 40%) did slightly better than mid-sized (34%) and small companies (20%). Firms in the North and South (net 35%) experienced growth but fabricators in the Midlands reported no change over the period.

A net 22% of fabricators also sold more conservatories in February 2007 than in February 2006 (see chart). Large firms (net 60%) did best but mid-sized (34%) and small companies (10%) also improved. Those in the South (net 35%) and Midlands (23%) did better than firms in the North (5%).

Forecasts

On balance, 68% of fabricators expect to sell more conservatories in March 2007 compared with February 2007 and a balance of 54% expect to sell more compared with March 2006 (see chart). A balance of 40% of fabricators are more confident now about the overall prospects for the conservatory market than three months ago. Small (net 53%) and large firms (40%) are more optimistic than mid-sized companies (13%). Fabricators in the North and South (net 49%) are most optimistic but those in the Midlands (15%) are also upbeat.