The Locksmith Journal 94 March 2024 | Page 57

SECTOR INSIGHT

NAVIGATING OPPORTUNITIES : WINDOW WARE MD SHARES VIEWS ON 2024 ’ S EVOLVING MARKET

» SAM NUCKEY , MD OF MARKETleading independent hardware distributor Window Ware , considers the opportunities for the year ahead .
As was the case throughout last year , high income households will remain a prime target market in the residential sector . We saw consistent growth in 2023 for some of our high-end products for the aluminium and flush sash market , including our latest range of class-leading MACO lift and slide door hardware , plus our Regal Hardware heritage door and window handles . We expect this trend to continue over the next eleven months as consumers who still have spare income continue to spend their money on premium windows and doors .
With the price cap on energy expected to increase in the first quarter of 2024 , any homeowners still in the market for new windows and doors will also be looking for high-performance , energy-efficient installations to help reduce their heating bills .
Predictions suggest that interest rates will carry on dropping during 2024 and this should make mortgages more affordable and help to boost consumer confidence which would be good news for the home improvement sector too .
And while ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty will undoubtedly continue to influence the business landscape in the year ahead , fenestration firms remain cautiously optimistic . We have had lots of positive conversations with forward-facing industry professionals who are still keen to develop their businesses and invest in new products . Entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive and kicking in this industry as we would expect .
Last year , we focused our efforts on strengthening our internal and external sales teams to drive and deliver excellent service in terms of accuracy , response times and OTIF . Great service has always set Window Ware apart and continues to be our priority in the year ahead . As a reliable hardware supplier with exemplary service , we know this builds trust , earns loyalty , and adds value . We want our customers to work in partnership with Window Ware to maximise their sales pipelines with the right hardware products , improve productivity and help them achieve their business goals .
www . windowware . co . uk

CONSUMER SURVEY REVEALS GROWING POPULARITY OF SMART SECURITY SOLUTIONS

» WINDOW AND DOOR manufacturers and installers are being encouraged to discuss smart security options with customers , after research commissioned by ERA , in partnership with Neighbourhood Watch , found that internet-connected security solutions are gaining popularity with homeowners .
The study , which garnered more than 18,000
responses , found that 39 % of Neighbourhood Watch members are using external security cameras and 30 % have video doorbells to serve as visible deterrents against anti-social behaviour , criminal damage and burglaries .
This follows news from the Neighbourhood Watch ’ s Crime and Community survey which found that 64 % of UK residents are worried about their homes being broken into and that over half of respondents believe that crime has increased in their local area .
Leaning into smart security options is one of them . With 75 % of Neighbourhood Watch members owning one or more smart devices , such technology is not only becoming popular
with customers who value convenience , but it is also a great way of ensuring peace of mind when it comes to home security .
With a burglary taking place in the UK approximately every 106 seconds , it ranks within the top five of the country ’ s most common crimes , which is why prevention remains a key focus for Neighbourhood Watch .
Sumier Foster-Shah , Product and Customer Support Manager at ERA , commented :
“ With continued concern about local crime , it ’ s timely for window and door manufacturers to share security advice with customers and recommend certified , smart solutions , given the increase in the popularity of smart technology .
“ Smart home security devices , such as our TouchKey solution and our ERA Protect range , along with traditional hardware , can offer homeowners who are concerned about protecting their homes , maximum security and peace of mind .” For further information about Neighbourhood Watch , visit www . ourwatch . org . uk
www . eraeverywhere . com
MARCH 2024
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