Annual Predictions
THE WINDOW & DOOR MARKET IN 2023 ?
A unique perspective from different ends of the technological landscape
MIKE DERHAM , MD , MIGHTON PRODUCTS
Mighton Products has its roots firmly in the market for refurbishing traditional timber box sash windows . In fact , it was the procurement of the specialist hardware required for the task – or in fact , the difficulties Mike encountered in sourcing the handles , balances , weights and other items required for every refurbishment – that inspired him to set up Mighton , four decades ago .
Mighton has evolved of course in that time : whilst the company still serves those specialists , the range has broadened to include the wider timber window manufacturing sector and more modern styles of windows . A huge catalogue available online and in print , offers more than 2000 products , many of which the company designs and manufactures itself .
With this traditional heritage , it is perhaps surprising that Mighton has also developed a range of window and door hardware that is , quite literally , at the cutting edge of technology . Its Avia Smart range of door and window handles , locks and sensors are Apple HomeKit technology-based and as such are using what is widely recognised to be the most secure platform . Crucially , amongst the frenzied jockeying for position by smart hardware brands in the UK window and door sector , all Avia products are retrofittable , and do not require factory-fitting of sensors or subscriptions .
Our timber window range is itself diverse as it contains products for price points from the mid to upper markets produced for quite distinct market sectors . We believe that our products for the specialist end of the market such as for high quality box sash frames , will remain relatively buoyant even in the face of the incredible increases in the cost of living although pro rata , many of the projects for which our products are specified are subject to significant cost increases . But here and for
more modest refurbishments , the replacement of timber windows is often driven by failure of existing timber frames , with little option for cheaper alternatives due to aesthetic or building control restrictions .
My experience over several years however has shown that when we are faced with recession and economic uncertainty , the ‘ improve not move ’ mentality kicks in . People will spend significant sums of money carrying out refurbishments to their homes that they had put off in favour of moving , so again , we hope that side of our business will be relatively protected .
At the other end of the scale , quite literally technologically , our Apple HomeKit based smart hardware are aimed at a market that remains quite undeveloped ,” said Mike . “ Although smart hardware has been around for some time in our commercial lives allowing convenient and effective security in our workplaces , public facilities and especially our vehicles , there has been reluctance to apply it to our homes . That is now changing . But it remains an emerging market so all sales are incremental .
We have substantial sales for many of our products in the US as well as the UK , especially for our child safety product the Angel Ventlock . And in both geographical sectors , what the markets need more than anything , is stability : not necessarily that we are climbing out of recession , that things are improving ; just that the economy has stopped worsening . There is still money around , but people are reluctant to spend it when they can ’ t see the bottom . In that respect , and at the time or writing , we have some way to go I feel .
Supply chain issues have largely been resolved , says Mike , although with China remaining dominant in manufacturing whilst facing considerable unrest at home , there is always potential for further disruption and without notice : The semiconductor shortage remains an issue for smart hardware of course , although our supplies have been stable for some time . Overall , supply chain is sound and should remain so .
The next few months will be frustrating and nervy , I feel . In deference to the poorer in society , few have experienced the sort of hardships that will now affect many more people . It ’ s going to be tough for the next year at least , even if the Russian assault on Ukraine ends soon . Nothing is that simple anymore .
www . mightonproducts . com www . aviasmart . com
44 JANUARY 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM