Window sales still on the up

Sales

Strong sales growth is reported in April 2007 with a net 54% (the difference between 56% who sold more and 2% who sold less) of window fabricators showing improved sales compared with March 2007. Sales were up for fabricators of all sizes and in all regions.

A net 36% of fabricators also increased sales in April 2007 compared with April 2006 (chart 1). Small firms (net 46%) did better than mid-sized or large companies (20%). Fabricators in the North (net 59%) and South (30%) sold more windows and doors than those in the Midlands (15%).

Forecasts

A net 52% of fabricators expected to sell more windows and doors in May 2007 compared with April 2007. Mid-sized firms (net 66%) and companies in the Midlands (62%) were most bullish. Few fabricators expected sales to fall.

On balance one in two fabricators also anticipated higher sales in May 2007 compared with May 2006 (chart 2). Small (net 57%) and mid-sized companies (47%) were more positive than large firms (20%). Fabricators across the country forecasted growth.

Confidence

A balance of over one in three fabricators are more confident now about the overall prospects of the window market than three months ago. Large (net 60%) and mid-sized companies (47%) are more buoyant than small firms (27%). Optimism is highest among fabricators in the Midlands (net 46%), but firms in the South and North are also confident (32%).