November Window Sales Ahead of October 2006 and November 2005

Sales:

A net 16% (the difference between 38% who sold more and 22% who sold less) of window fabricators reported better sales in November 2006 compared with October 2006. Large (net 60%) and mid-sized firms (40%) saw an improvement but for a balance of 3% of small companies, sales fell. Fabricators in the Midlands (net 46%) and North (29%) saw an increase but on balance 15% of fabricators in the South saw a drop.

A net 10% of window fabricators also saw a rise in sales in November 2006 compared with November 2005 (chart 1). Large firms (40%) did better than mid-sized (14%) or small fabricators (4%). Those in the Midlands (net 31%) did better than the rest of the country.

Forecasts:

A net 12% expect to sell fewer windows and doors in December 2006 than November 2006. Large (net 20%) and small firms (13%) expect less than mid-sized firms (7%). All regions expect sales to fall in December.

However, a balance of 12% of fabricators forecast an increase in sales in December 2006 compared with December 2005 (chart 2). Mid-sized (net 27%) and large fabricators (20%) are more confident than small firms (3%). Those in the Midlands (net 39%) are considerably more positive than those in the North (11%) and a balance of 5% in the South forecast a drop in sales.

Confidence:

A balance of 24% of fabricators are more optimistic now about the overall prospects for the window market than three months ago. Mid-sized firms (net 60%) are most confident but small firms (10%) are also positive. On balance large companies felt no change compared with three months ago. Fabricators across the country are positive.

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 1st and 6th December 2006 across a balanced spread of size of firm, geographical area and type of fabricator. For survey details or further information contact Jenny Reilly, Michael Rigby Associates (01453 521621). © Michael Rigby Associates 2007