Strong expectations for windows

Sales

On balance, 42% of window fabricators saw an improvement in sales in February 2007 compared with January 2007. Small firms (net 54%) did best but both large (40%) and mid-sized companies (20%) improved. Fabricators in the North and Midlands (net 53%) did better than those in the South (25%).

A net 34% of window fabricators also saw a rise in sales in February 2007 compared with February 2006 (chart 1). Mid-sized firms (net 40%) did slightly better than small companies (34%) and large fabricators (20%). Fabricators across the country experienced growth.

Forecasts

Expectations are very positive. A net 68% of fabricators expect to sell more windows and doors in March 2007 than February 2007. All large companies interviewed were confident of increased sales along with 65% of small and mid-sized firms. Those in the South (net 80%) and North (70%) are more positive than those in the Midlands (46%).

A balance of 56% of fabricators also expect sales in March 2007 to be up on March 2006 (chart 2). Fabricators of all sizes anticipate growth. Firms in the South (net 70%) are most confident but those in the Midlands (54%) and North (41%) are also upbeat.

Confidence

A balance of just under a third of fabricators are more optimistic now about the overall prospects for the window market than three months ago. Mid-sized firms (net 53%) are most confident but large (40%) and small companies (20%) are also positive. Fabricators across the country are optimistic.