Annual Predictions
VALUE FOR MONEY WILL DEFINE THE MARKET AT ALL LEVELS
ADRIAN BARRACLOUGH , CHAIRMAN , QUICKSLIDE
» WE – AS I BELIEVE ARE so many others – are currently finding the market harder to predict than ever before . We have what we believe is a pragmatic forecast but with so many variables , including many that may not have manifested themselves yet , at Quickslide we continue to take as much control of the future as we can so we may control our own destiny and , assist our customers to do the same .
The lower end of the market will suffer most ; cheap won ’ t fly as those on lower incomes and requiring finance for their home improvements , will be the hardest hit by the massive hikes in heating bills and other costs . Many of these will now be using the money that they may have earmarked for financing home improvements to pay their energy bills .
Even those with better incomes will be thus affected : larger and older homes will see their energy bill rise more spectacularly leading even those better off , considering how they spend their money , or indeed , finance their projects . However , those with substantial savings , will still be seeking to go ahead with projects they may have earmarked some time ago , once some sort of stability and therefore confidence , returns .
An emphasis on obtaining value for money will define the market at all levels ; customers will bore down further and carry out more research to ensure that they get maximum bang for their buck . End users will be a lot smarter buying windows and doors so getting more involved in security , energy , smart tech , and aesthetics of their products .
Energy efficiency will be a major driver whilst energy bills remain so high , and those with the money will justify their purchase on that basis . It is up to us as an industry to ensure we make the most of our energy efficiency credentials , which are now very real with the latest round of improvements in Approved Document L .
Every conversation inevitably comes round to the cost of energy and that isn ’ t going to go away any time soon . Not only will the homeowner demand energy efficiency as a pre-requisite but also in manufacturing , transport and everything associated will be driven down . Much of our R & D is around internal efficiency all round , re-utilisation of re-grind / used products , intelligent logistics to optimise transport and a number of other projects , with reductions so far , of more than £ 100,000 per year . This has already helped us to ensure stability in our pricing and made our business more sustainable . Not only in financial terms but also socially : people in our local community are showing increased interest and appreciation for our attention to sustainability .
We are also building closer relationships with our suppliers , our customers and our staff to work together for mutual gain and security . No business that is forever changing staff , customers and suppliers will ever trade well long-term , so we invest heavily on choosing the right partner and to commit to them through thick and thin . We avoid knee jerk responses to product and material shortages , preferring to work with partners to work through scenarios , rather than bounce around the market .
This is far more than merely a mantra : Mutual loyalty has seen us through tough times already – remember Covid ? – and we , and our suppliers and people especially , have emerged healthier and stronger . And that always has a positive effect on the ultimate customer ; the homeowner .
The old adage of ‘ the grass is greener ’; well you should maybe look after your own garden better .
The following 12 months at least – and I suspect that we will have a great deal more upheaval to come with the world an especially unpleasant place in parts , with the fallout affecting others far from the areas of conflict – will remain turbulent and the last thing that any of us want , surely , is to add to that pain by going head to head with those upon whom we depend – our suppliers and our people , especially , but also , our competitors . Let ’ s be fair : when we are presented with an opportunity , we will go for it . But that will not be at any price . More than anything , we need to impose stability when we can affect it .
www . quickslide . co . uk
38 JANUARY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM