Window Sales Forecasts Recover

Sales:

On balance, window fabricators reported no change in sales in January 2007 compared with December 2006. Mid-sized firms (net 7%) saw an improvement in sales but a balance of 4% of small companies dropped back. Large firms saw no change. Fabricators in the South (net 10%) increased sales but 16% in the Midlands saw sales fall. Those in the North saw no change.

More positively, a net 14% of window fabricators saw a rise in sales in January 2007 compared with January 2006 (chart 1). Mid-sized firms (40%) did better than small companies (7%), but a balance of 20% of large fabricators saw a drop in sales. While those in the South (net 25%) and Midlands (17%) saw growth over the period, those in the North saw no change.

Forecasts:

Expectations are good. A net 52% of fabricators expect to sell more windows and doors in February 2007 than January 2007. Firms of all sizes are confident. Those in the North (net 61%) and South (55%) are most confident but fabricators in the Midlands (33%) are also upbeat.

A balance of 38% of fabricators forecast an increase in sales in February 2007 compared with February 2006 (chart 2). Fabricators of all sizes anticipate an increase. Those in the South (net 50%) and North (39%) are considerably more positive than those in the Midlands (17%).

Confidence:

A balance of 10% of fabricators are more optimistic now about the overall prospects for the window market than three months ago. Large firms (net 20%) are most confident but mid-sized (13%) and small companies (6%) are also positive. Fabricators in the North (net 17%) and South (10%) are optimistic but those in the Midlands feel the same about prospects as they did three months ago.

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 8th and 13th February 2007 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