Annual Predictions
2024 : Adding value for installers
ROBERT BREARLEY , GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR , THE GLAZERITE UK GROUP
» THE LAST 12 MONTHS HAVE BEEN challenging for fenestration , with the loss of some of the industry ’ s big names . The economy seems set to remain subdued for some time , which makes it more important than ever for installers to offer a distinctive portfolio ahead of competitors .
What does this look like in reality ? A range of products has to be at the core – those the homeowner is looking for and additions the homeowner didn ’ t even know they needed like colour , style , and smart technology .
By partnering with Glazerite , installers have access to a comprehensive portfolio that includes VEKA , Halo , the Residence Collection , Deceuninck , and DoorCo . This gives both domestic and commercial installers high-quality options at a range of price points with access to differentiators like heritage , premium security options , and smart tech from the likes of Kubu and Ultion .
During 2023 , Glazerite poured nearly £ 1 million into machinery and our delivery fleet to improve performance . This year , we have committed to further investment into cutting , welding , and cleaning
machinery to ensure our products are manufactured to the highest quality .
A recent focus , and one we are continuing with into 2024 , is improved internal communication amongst our people to benefit our customers . We have integrated and deployed innovative delivery channels to ensure our teams fully understand our strategy and are involved in how we work day-to-day and how we plan for the future . Our teams actively contribute ideas that have already led to improvements in efficiencies and production .
As a national fabricator , the launch of our new Barnsley-based manufacturing site enables us to increase our Deceuninck offering without impacting the service and quality of our existing product range . We have a lot to look forward to in 2024 as we power ahead with our commitment to give Glazerite installer partners all they need for a successful business .
www . glazerite . co . uk
“ Looking to grow our commercial work ”
SARAH HITCHINGS , THE RESIDENCE COLLECTION , SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
» “ IN 2023 , WE EXPECTED THE business to return to pre-covid levels , but we have outperformed this for the majority of the year , which has been excellent .
“ The Residence Collection consumer website is still seeing large increases of more than 20 % year-on-year for visits , which indicates there is still a strong public interest in home improvement and premium products .
“ I believe the first half of 2024 could be quite uncertain as there are lots of external factors negatively impacting the wider economy , with many homeowners uncertain about choosing bigger purchases . However , in any market downturn there is always opportunity , which will allow us time to consider new products and focus on our marketing strategies .
“ Ultimately , as an industry we will all be in the same boat with the change in consumer priorities and pressure on operating costs due to an uplift in minimum wage in April 2024 . It is predicted that raw material prices are set to remain above pre-covid levels alongside labour costs too , which means it ’ s vital to look at efficiencies internally . Within our industry we must remember that every window is bespoke , whether it ’ s a white UPVC casement or a fully foiled R9 bay window , so it ’ s essential that we price the products correctly .
“ It is important for us to ensure we have a diverse product strategy going into what could be a difficult year , we will still be focusing on residential and consumer whilst also looking to grow our commercial work . Following our recent successes in 2021 and 2023 at the G Awards for Commercial Project of the Year , we are optimistic with our growth plan for this area of the business .”
www . q19group . co . uk www . residencecollection . co . uk www . windowwidgets . co . uk
28 JANUARY 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM