Optimism Stays Strong for Window Sales
A net 20% (the difference between 44% who sold more and 24% who sold less) of window fabricators reported increased sales in July 2006 compared with June 2006. Mid-sized firms (net 33%) did best, but large (20%) and small fabricators (13%) also saw growth. Companies in the North and South (net 30%) saw an improvement, but for 8% in the Midlands sales dropped.
On balance window fabricators saw no change in sales in July 2006 compared with the same month of 2005 (chart 1). By company size, small firms (net 4%) saw an increase but for 7% of mid-sized companies sales fell. For large firms, sales remained static. Fabricators in all regions reported no change.
Forecasts:
A net 12% of fabricators expected to sell more in August 2006 compared with July 2006. Mid-sized firms (net 34%) were significantly more confident than small companies (3%). Again, large firms saw no change. By region, fabricators in the North (24%) were more positive than those in the Midlands (8%) or south (5%).
A balance of 14% also expected to see an increase in sales in August 2006 compared with August 2005 (chart 2). Mid-sized firms (20%) and those in the Midlands (39%) were most optimistic.
Confidence:
Sixteen percent of fabricators are more confident now about the overall prospects for the window market than three months ago. Small firms (30%) and those in the South and Midlands (24%) are most upbeat.
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The monthly tracker survey is produced by Michael Rigby Associates and sponsored by WHS Halo in conjunction with The Fabricator. The aim is to keep a finger on the market pulse between the regular quarterly reports, and to monitor fabricators' views and expectations of market movements.
The survey covers a representative sample of 50 window fabricators. Telephone interviews took place between the 15th and 18th August 2006 across a balanced spread of size of firm, geographical area and type of fabricator. For survey details or further information contact Lucia Di Stazio, Michael Rigby Associates (01453 521621). © Copyright Michael Rigby Associates 2006 |
