Annual Predictions
“ No , we didn ’ t write the regulations ”
DEAN BRADLEY , SALES DIRECTOR , GLAZPART
» AS I WRITE THIS , TO THE DAY , new building regulations were released to be implemented in June ’ 22 for background ventilation . This hailed much discussion across the market but concluded two years of consultations and feedback . For the conspiracy enthusiasts out there : no , we didn ’ t write the regulations .
That document has seen a phenomenal response from the team at Glazpart from one end of the business to the other in order to maximise the service levels needed to deliver a significant increase in demand which was unleashed .
In the process we launched the new 4000 vent in all its colour variations and finishes and the products became an Award-winning range of products winning Window component of the Year 2022 at the National Fenestration Awards , who would have guessed a trickle vent would have won that ?
Today , the trade has settled down and the initial response has faded with trickle vents now at the centre of the hardware category as the vents are the most visible component on a window .
As we go forward , we can see a significant increase in volumes as greater compliance is taking shape . We will see the levels of compliance grow further as the competent persons schemes inspections become more robust , there will be a spike in failures due to ADF , but the wider issues of ADL will be greater as the paperwork needs to follow the jobs .
We then see the macroeconomic issues moving down the pipeline as affordable finance becomes scarcer and supply chains still recover from the pandemic years and costs will continue to rise .
The key question is the slowdown coming and how deep will it be ? This will vary by sector , geography , product , and market . Although there is a strong argument that payback on new window investments will be faster with the current price of energy . But there will be an impact as volumes slow , but prices remain high holding up turnover .
My crystal ball cannot forecast these with accuracy for all but hopefully 2023 will be as strong as 2022 has been for Glazpart .
www . glazpart . com
QUALITY , INNOVATION AND MARKETING WILL MATTER MORE THAN EVER
IAN SHORT , MANAGING DIRECTOR , UNI-BLINDS ® INTEGRAL BLINDS MANUFACTURER MORLEY GLASS
» THE ECONOMIC BACKDROP IS SET to make 2023 a very different year for the building industry as a whole compared to 2022 . And if it plays out as the economists predict that will make three things more important than ever – the quality of the product and service , innovation to ensure we all have something ‘ new ’ to offer and powerful marketing .
Homeowners at the top end of the market will continue to invest in extensions and renovation work , but they will expect the highest quality products and great service . So if you have the best products of their kind in your portfolio such as our Uni- Blinds ® integral blinds , and you ’ re geared up to provide slick service from the initial order , through surveying and quoting to post-installation checking and warranties , you ’ ll continue to have a competitive edge .
But at a time when businesses will need to work harder to attract the attention and interest of homeowners , having new products to offer and marketing them well will be stand out factors . Partnering with proactive suppliers who are regularly bringing innovative products to the market with strong customer appeal will
be important to ensure your portfolio includes that ‘ something different ’ to convince more cost-conscious homeowners to enquire .
Having the right marketing materials to help you grab the homeowner ’ s interest , convert into a quote and complete the sale is always important , but it will have an additional impact in a year when the market may be more restrained .
Our Uni-Blinds ® integral blinds are manufactured using only the globally-renowned ScreenLine ® systems , so we ’ re maximising quality , and we have new products in the pipeline . We ’ ve also seen the positive results for our installers from comprehensive marketing , which is why we continue to invest heavily on their behalf in everything from videos and social media to brochures and sample packs – and we will be offering an ever-greater marketing support package to Uni-Blinds ® installers going forward .
www . morleyglass . co . uk
32 JANUARY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM