INDUSTRY NEWS
What does the year ahead have in store for the industry ?
JACK SCULLION , PRODUCT & INNOVATION MANAGER , VEKA PLC .
The post-pandemic boom in home improvements triggered a surge in demand but all of us working in the sector know that the past two years have seen a downward trend . The outlook for 2025 remains uncertain , with rising employment costs , inflation and a squeeze on operational budgets complicating the picture . A particularly challenging first quarter is anticipated for businesses across the sector .
While demand may remain restrained , there is still lots of growth potential in 2025 .
Spending on the home
Bank of England research revealed that UK households have around £ 180 billion in post-COVID savings that could be unlocked as home improvement spend . However , consumer behaviour is shifting , with more emphasis being placed on experiences – such as travel or leisure activities – over commodities .
A Mintel report looking at global consumer spending also found that 79 % of UK adults who had planned to spend or had spent on their homes favoured smaller upgrades to major renovations . This means businesses in the fenestration sector need to create compelling value propositions that position window and door upgrades as integral to a better quality of life .
Sustainability and innovation along with colour and design choice will be critical in appealing to this market .
Thermal efficiency
With the cost of living and energy bills continuing to bite , energy performance and thermal efficiency will remain a priority for homeowners .
Barclays ’ data shows that 25 % of UK homeowners made energy efficiency improvements to their home in 2024 . Of those making changes , 52 % were seeking to reduce long-term energy use and a fifth hoped to increase the value of their property .
With energy savings seen as both a way to save the planet and as a means to protect bank balances , highly efficient products are expected to gain even more traction .
The Passivhaus standard , while still in its early stages of adoption , also presents an exciting opportunity . VEKA recently launched its first Passivhaus-certified product , the Softline 82 - Passivhaus window system , which meet Passivhaus standards for superior energy performance , sustainability and design .
Design trends Design remains a strong determinant of consumer choice and colour preferences continue to evolve . The Tommy Trinder Annual Colour Trends survey found that 2024 has seen a resurgence in smooth white as the finish of choice for PVCu .
While VEKA supplier , Renolit data shows that anthracite grey , a long-time leader remains dominant , and we don ’ t anticipate that this will change this year , especially given its prevalence in the new build market .
However , more earthy tones may define 2025 , especially given the pantone colour of the year is ‘ Mocha Moose ’. Lighter greys like pebble grey and even softer , nature-inspired colours such as sage green and claystone are also rising in popularity . These colours offer versatility and timeless appeal , particularly as consumers may opt for more calm , neutral tones in response to economic and social uncertainty .
Although solid colours continue to be the most sought after , aluminium is also growing year-on-year . PVCu products that replicate the sleek appearance of aluminium , like those offered by VEKA , give the same effect at a lower price point .
Additionally , smooth and seamless finishes are on the rise across the design scape . VEKA launched OMNIA , the first ever double flush window and door system , in 2024 . Available in a wide range of colour and finish choices , it appeals to both heritage-feature lovers and those looking for a modern finish .
Being able to offer a full breadth of choice to appeal to all homeowners remains important for fabricators and installers , and VEKA will continue to work alongside our customers to meet the varying needs of the market .
Recycled content
The push for sustainability has firmly established recycled content as a priority within new fenestration products . This is a strategic consideration in VEKA ’ s product development and is aligned with our clear focus to be a collaborative partner for the
10 FEBRUARY 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM