#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library

The new version of AMA Research Interactive offers an improved search function to make it easier to navigate through to reports you may be interested in. Typing in a keyword should automatically bring up the reports of interest to you - the system automatically searches inside reports as well as report titles and keywords.

Advanced filter options include:

     

• Search by report category/sector – i.e. bathroom, furniture etc.
• Search by publication date/age of report.
• Search by content type – i.e. figures, tables or text.
• Search by status – normal, archived or coming soon.

You can easily browse the most recent reports on the ‘New Reports’ tab on the home page, and in the drop-down menu you can see your recently viewed reports.

Other chapters in this article series include:

AMA Research Interactive - More than just a delivery platform
#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

AMA Research Interactive – more than just a delivery platform

Regular visitors to AMA Research Interactive will have used it already, but if you haven’t logged in to your account for a while, you may not be aware that we upgraded the software on 1st April this year. 

As well as having had a facelift in terms of design and layout, a number of useful features have also been improved or added to the site including:

• Ability to manage your own password 
• Improved search and navigation features

• Ability to create, edit and manipulate your own customised reports online, including commenting and sharing with colleagues

• More flexible way of working with PDFs
• Option to export data into excel
• Option to translate reports into different languages



We hope that you will find the new version more user-friendly and that you will benefit from the new features that have been added to the AMA Research Interactive site. 

The link to access the site is: www.amaresearch-interactive.co.uk/Account/Login. You may also view the marketing pages using the guest login. If you have forgotten your login details, just get in touch on 01242 235724 or send an email to sales@amaresearch.co.uk. 

Outlined in this article series are a few of the useful features of AMA Research Interactive that you may not be familiar with, including:

#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

Look out for individual articles on the topics above, which will be published over the next few weeks.

Margins remain under pressure in the UK Contract Cleaning market

The market for contract cleaning services in the UK has seen low level growth over the past two years and is now worth around £5.5 billion. Though the market was affected by the economic downturn, it has benefited from increased standards in cleanliness demanded by key areas such as health and food hygiene. Many contract cleaning companies have reported relatively steady growth with further modest growth forecast until 2019 reflecting ongoing recovery in the economy and rising costs.

Contract cleaning is a mature and highly fragmented market, despite the high level of merger and acquisition activity that seems to have become an ongoing characteristic, and is one of the most competitive of all the contracted-out sectors. Despite the difficult economic climate over the last 5 years - and continued cuts across budgets in both the private and public sectors - the market has performed reasonably well compared to the wider FM and construction industry. The ‘commercial’ market (offices, retail etc) is the largest sector with an estimated 43% value share, with local authority and health also representing key sectors.

The UK market for non-domestic cleaning products, including equipment, materials and chemicals, has been largely flat in recent years and only modest growth is forecast for the 2015-2019 period. Key trends in this sector include; increasing development of antibacterial products, in particular in the healthcare, food preparation and hospitality sectors, growth in the powered cleaning machine sector, greater focus on improving efficiency and increased automation of cleaning processes, increase in daytime cleaning. The market continues to be strongly driven by legislation and higher standards for cleanliness, hygiene and health and safety.

One of the major issues facing the industry is the recent announcement of the Government’s Living Wage, which means that over 25’s will receive an hourly wage rate of £7.20 per hour from April 2016 rising to over £9.00 per hour by 2020. While some of these costs will be absorbed, the rise is substantial and will have a major impact on the contract cleaning industry where average pay rates are low and labour costs represent a high proportion of contract prices. As a result, this will inevitably drive the market upwards and is also likely to drive growth in the equipment sector as larger employers look to increase productivity levels to offset higher labour costs.

The provision of ‘one-stop shop’ solutions and bundled services has become an increasingly more attractive option, particularly for larger clients. The economic downturn also increased pressure on companies to improve their operational efficiencies and control costs. It seems likely that demand for bundled services contracts will continue to be a strong driving force in the market over the next few years. It has already become a key factor behind the number of acquisitions of single service providers by FM companies, particularly into specialist sectors such as energy management.

In addition, the drive towards more sustainable cleaning practices is a growing issue across the contract cleaning industry, driven by demand from clients keen to ensure that their corporate responsibility towards the sustainability agenda is met. As a result, cleaning firms have introduced a range of new ‘green’ measures in order to meet this growing area of demand, including daytime cleaning and more energy-efficient cleaning equipment. Daytime cleaning is now becoming more popular where a high standard of cleanliness is required in areas such as healthcare and offices.

“Cleaning is one of the most competitive of all contracted-out sectors, with profit margins under constant pressure, though the cleaning and support services industry is generally accepted to be more ‘recession proof’ than other sectors.” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA research, “It is a highly labour intensive industry and the introduction of the Living Wage with incremental increases is bound to have an impact on the market in the medium term, probably leading to a combination of rising contract values, reduced margins and greater investment in powered cleaning equipment and daytime cleaning.”

The ‘Contract Cleaning Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Lighting Market Report - 5 Key Facts

Did you know that...

1. In 2013, the lighting market was estimated to be worth just under £1.65 billion at manufacturers selling prices (MSP)
2. Market prospects are good with 7-10% annual growth forecasts over the next 3 years.
3. In 2013, the lighting market was dominated by sales of luminaires, which also accounted for 61% of the market.
4. Lighting controls have experienced 59% growth to 2013, since 2009
5. The non-domestic sector dominates, accounting for 69% of the market by value, increasing in share due to the adoption of LED technology.

The ‘Lighting Market Report – UK 2014-2018 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Home Extensions Market Report - 5 Key Facts

Did you know that...

1. The more positive economic outlook influenced the number of householder improvements granted, with a slight upturn in 2013 and a 3% uplift forecast for 2014.
2. Single storey extensions were estimated to account for around 37% of householder developments in 2013.
3. In terms of regions, England accounted for 89% of householder developments in 2013.
4. Roofing products used in the building extension sector account for around 11% of all materials used in this sector.
5. Solar thermal and photovoltaic and ground and air source heat pumps account for almost two thirds of heating and ventilation installations.

The ‘Home Extensions Market Report – GB 2014-2018 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Upholstered Furniture and Beds Market - 5 Key Facts

Did you know that...

1) In 2014 the upholstered furniture market was worth an estimated £1.7bn (at MSP), with the domestic sector accounting for around 90% in value terms.

2) Sales of individual sofas have risen to some 27% of the market.

3) The value share of leather material finish increased rapidly in the period from 1999 to 2007, although share has fallen slowly more recently to around half the market.

4) Divans account for around 33% of the Beds market by value.

5) The non-domestic sector is estimated to account for 12% of the beds market by value.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Upholstered Furniture and Beds Market Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Changing structure of the UK Highway Maintenance market

The Highway Maintenance market in the UK is both substantial and complex, and is a major part of UK infrastructure spending - though Government cutbacks have impacted on some sectors of the market.

However, the Government is showing signs of recognising the need to invest more in road building and other transport projects, and the poor winters over the last 2 years have generated some extra funding for mending potholes, the latter being a contentious issue at a local political level.

There is a complex structure of responsibility for maintenance of highways. Motorways and major trunk roads are managed by Highways England, while the remainder of the road network is managed by various classes of local authorities, who either undertake the work with direct works teams, or award contracts to contractors to undertake the work on their behalf. As the chart shows, the market is split between direct labour organisations which are part of the council, and long term contracts awarded to external organisations specialising in term maintenance contracts.

There has been some rationalisation of local government authorities in the last 40 years and the practice of local authorities awarding long term maintenance contracts has steadily increased since the 1970s. Early contracts were of a short duration and it was difficult to organise and generate a reasonable level of consistency and profitability, so contract periods have lengthened allowing the contractor a chance to invest in plant and equipment necessary for the contract, and as a result current contracts run from 3-5 years up to 25 year PFI contracts.

There has been a growth in contractor involvement in this market and companies such as Lafarge Tarmac, Amey, Ringway, Balfour Beatty, Kier etc. have taken many of these contracts in the last 20 years. As a result, as of mid-2015, some 50% of all authorities have now created long term contracts for maintaining highways in their areas, though the split varies significantly between types of authorities and regions of the country.

“Contractors with a more general construction background have been very active in recent years as they have recognised good opportunities in the highway maintenance sector” Said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “Examples of construction companies that now have a considerable involvement in highway maintenance and the wider infrastructure market include Kier, which has acquired May Gurney and Mouchel, and Amey. We anticipate that other ‘traditional’ construction companies will enter this market in the next few years through acquisitions and partnerships.”

The government is keen to explore more opportunities to bring private finance and expertise into the road network. The national network is complete although there are plans to improve sections of motorways which are most heavily trafficked, but there is a need to improve the regional network by improving roads which link national network motorways and also improving local A roads. The government is examining the possibility of letting contracts in these areas which will embrace maintenance of existing roads and undertaking improvements, many of which are mentioned in the recently published DTP Road Investment Strategy. The combination of term maintenance contracts and new forms of regional contracts, and the anticipated increase in funding, should offer significant opportunities for the private sector.

The report also reviews some of the key product sectors, such as road surfacing materials (asphalt, macadams, aggregates etc),reinstatement products, street lighting etc., which are key components of the highways maintenance market

The ‘Highway Maintenance Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Consolidation activity continues in the Western European Electrical Wholesale market

The overall electrical wholesale market within the EU (excluding recent accession countries) is estimated to be worth around £26bn, with the market value having remained at a similar level since 2012 - though there have been significant changes within individual markets.

AMA’s new report focuses on developments in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands and, while the EU economy as a whole is currently experiencing a difficult period, some of the largest electrical wholesale markets in Europe have generally performed reasonably well over the last 5-6 years. Germany is the largest market accounting for over 30% of sales in ‘Western Europe’, reflecting high specification standards and a strong manufacturing base requiring electrical components.

A key trend in the electrical wholesale market is ongoing rationalisation of wholesaling, with further acquisitions consolidating the dominant positions of Rexel and Sonepar across the major markets. It is becoming ever more difficult for the smaller, independent companies to compete in the market, with a high dependence on buying groups and few new entrants to the sector.

Positive influences in this market include growing investment in IT, growth of renewable energy initiatives. In particular, the increase in online activity is changing the electrical products distribution sector, as companies develop more of a multi-channel approach to targeting customers. However, in comparison to other sectors, E-commerce is underdeveloped in this market, though changing as electrical contractors overcome their traditional approach to product selection and ordering processes.

The electrical wholesale market in France is mature and the dominance of the two leading players means that major developments in market structure are unlikely, at least in the short term. Future prospects for the construction sector are not optimistic in the short term, but our forecasts are for a slight improvement in the electrical wholesale market value, based on some positive effect from legislation and the development of more complex technologies. Beyond 2015, a steady increase in the French electrical wholesale market is forecast as the construction market slowly begins to recover from the recession.

The German economy entered 2015 positively and our forecasts for the electrical wholesale market are for growth of around 2% in 2015/16, and beyond that even higher, assuming that the recovery in the economy is sustained. Sonepar, the market leader in Germany, continues to grow and to make acquisitions internationally. However, there is scope for further growth within the German electrical wholesaler market and it would seem likely that further acquisitions by nationals will continue to be made in coming years.

Our forecasts for 2015-17 for the electrical wholesale market in Belgium are for low levels of growth, reflecting the relatively flat economy and construction industry in general. The market has a dual structure, with two internationally active players accounting for around 70% of the market, and the remainder made up of independents. Although the regional split in the market is likely to continue, international groups will seeks expansion through acquisition and developing more formal cooperative groups between them.

The electrical wholesale market in the Netherlands is highly consolidated, with the leading international groups accounting for well over 70% of the market. In general terms, the market appears to have remained flat over the last 5 years, though this conceals several years of volatility – particularly in 2012/13 when there was a significant decline. Given a positive general economic background, with GDP growth rates of around 2% forecast respectively for 2015/16, prospects for construction markets are better than they have been for some time.

In summary, while 2015-16 is likely to be a difficult period for most European electrical wholesale markets, medium term prospects are generally relatively optimistic. Broadly, forecasts indicate modest recovery, reflecting a combination of increases in new housebuilding levels and a steady recovery in consumer spending feeding through into rising demand for electrical products in the medium term. New market opportunities are also emerging, with the electrical sector adopting variable levels of involvement in renewable energy, home automation etc., while IT/communications also continues to attract significant investment. Conversely, external threats to the sector have grown with a switch to offsite manufacturing in some countries and a growing focus on modularity in areas such as wiring and circuit breakers for example, which may impact on the role of wholesalers in some countries.

“A relatively low key but important development in the last year is that Sonepar have entered the UK market with the acquisition of Routeco in 2014” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “While this acquisition gives them only a small share at present, it seems likely that this will be a platform for further acquisitions in the medium term, and probably represents a key growth opportunity given their high shares in other EU markets.”

It is forecast that acquisitions will continue across all European markets, though at a slower rate than over recent years.

The ‘Electrical Wholesale Market Report - Western Europe 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Construction Sector - 5 Key Facts

Did you know that...

1) The UK ‘pharmaceutical sector’ is valued at over £50bn and includes medical technology, pharmaceuticals, medical/industrial biotechnology 

2)Construction work in the sector varies between regions reflecting the emergence of clusters.

3) Several major projects are in the pipeline with trends towards flexible and mobile laboratories and clean rooms.

4) Increasing specialisation in the sector offers good opportunities for value-added services.

5) Government support for the sector will ensure ongoing demand for new facilities.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Construction Sector Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Household Textiles Market - 5 Key Facts

Did you know:


1) The UK household textiles market is worth over £1.4 billion.

2) Bed linen is the largest product sector, but filled products also accounts for over 30% of the market.


3) Duvet covers and sheets account for around 75% of the bed linen sector.


4) The market is fragmented with the top 6 suppliers accounting for around 30% of the market.


5) Distribution is also fragmented, with department/variety stores and independents/specialists accounting for a combined share of around 50%.


These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Household Textiles Market Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Growth of 34% expected in the UK Wetroom Market over the next 5 years

Wetrooms represent the fastest growing sector of the UK bathroom market. The market is estimated to have grown by around 4% in 2014, and growth is forecast at 6-7% per annum over the next 2 years. Demand for wetrooms has increased significantly over the past decade and they continue to grow in popularity. In total, it is estimated that around 5% of UK homes now have a wetroom installation.

Between 2010 and 2012, the UK wetroom market was comparatively volatile, in line with the uncertain economic situation at this time, with demand particularly impacted by the decrease in the level of new build housing and low levels of major refurbishment in the private sector. Since 2013, however, the market for wetroom products has seen a notable increase, with demand picking up as the economy improves. The growth in wetrooms in the UK can be partly attributed to product innovations, with a number of components now available that make it possible for wetrooms to be installed on most floor types. Prices have also fallen, making wetrooms a more affordable choice to the mainstream consumer.

As an open-plan alternative to the traditional bathroom, wetrooms provide a space-saving and design-led solution that is regarded as a luxurious and accessible feature in the home. The floor formers and level access trays sector dominates the wetroom market with around 50% share by value, followed by waterproof tanking kits, glass wetroom panels and drainage products, including shower drainage pumps.

Supply in the wetroom market is somewhat fragmented with a large number of suppliers providing part or all of the wetroom product. These include wetroom product specialists, special needs bathroom suppliers and the major manufacturers of bathroom and showering products. A significant proportion of sales within the wetroom market are direct sales from the specialist manufacturer or supplier to the end-user or contractor, which is common practice with more specialised products. Other channels include merchants and distributors, bathroom specialists plus DIY multiples, many offering own branded goods. In addition, the level of wetroom products sold via online retailers has seen significant growth in recent years.

The outlook for the UK wetrooms market in 2015 looks positive with good growth anticipated into the medium-longer term. Demand should be supported by the emerging trend towards multi-generational households, the requirements under the 2014 Care Act and growth in the self-build market, among other factors. Wetroom areas are likely to progressively replace baths, as a more practical and accessible alternative. By 2019, the market is forecast to have increased by 34% compared to 2014.

“Housebuilders are increasingly adding wetrooms to new build private homes in order to ‘add value’ and attract buyers” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “Baths continue to be commonly specified in the main bathroom but the smaller second bathroom or ensuite is now more likely to have a wetroom installed, both for practical and aesthetic reasons.”       

The ‘Wetroom Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresarch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Private sector investment drives UK construction contractor growth

In 2014, contractors saw construction demand pick up and remain strong throughout the year, with positive growth rates for new work recorded in each successive month. Total non-domestic construction output in 2014 is estimated to have reached around £79.1bn, an increase of around 5% on the previous year.

The contracting industry has undergone a period of considerable change as construction was one of the hardest hit sectors in the UK economic downturn, with a substantial deterioration in output and activity levels. A decline in the supply of contracts forced many contractors to reduce the size of their businesses, cut costs and consider smaller sized contracts, with lower margins. With larger contractors bidding for smaller-scale and lower value work in order to maintain their pipelines, there has been intense competition with smaller, regional companies, who have struggled to compete.

Those firms that have done well, such as Amey, Carillion, Galliford Try and Interserve, all with a turnover in excess of £1bn, are all highly diversified and have large FM operations. Companies with a particular focus on the utilities sector have also done comparatively well, as have smaller, regional companies with a particular focus on sectors such as housing.

An increase in market activity has led to a rise in the levels of enquiries and requests by clients to submit tenders. However, this recent uplift in workload is putting particular pressure on main contractors who have had to secure work at low prices and many contractors are now struggling with capacity issues in order to meet increased output requirements. There is also a shortage of skilled tradesmen working in the sector, such as carpenters, joiners, glazing contractors and building services engineers. However, the upturn in workloads is providing specialist contractors with more secure workloads as main contractors improve conditions and payment periods in order to secure their services.

With forecasts indicating that non-domestic construction output will grow by around 5% in 2015, the outlook for the contracting industry remains good. The outlook for the short-medium term also indicates a steady recovery for key sectors such as offices, industrial and retail, though balanced by more muted performance from key public sectors such as health and education.

“Going forward, growth in the contracting industry is likely to be underpinned by investment by the private sector which will probably offset cuts in public spending – and also housebuilding is set to maintain steady underlying growth“ said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “In addition, Government plans for infrastructure investment after 2015 will provide a significant boost to the construction industry, although this could be tempered by interest rate rises, material price increases, the availability and cost of labour, as well as tender prices.”

The ‘Construction Contractors Market Report – Focus on Sector Capability and Strategy – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

UK Suspended Ceilings and Partitioning Systems market begins to recover

The total market for suspended ceilings and partitioning systems saw an improvement in 2014 with growth estimated at 3% during the year, following years of little or no growth.

Factors contributing to growth in 2014 included a recovery in refurbishment projects and smaller scale new build projects, with clients focusing on re-developing and re-branding existing properties.

The higher growth levels were seen in the suspended ceilings market and have been supported by price increases and a shift towards higher quality products and complete systems. The ceilings market also has a wider spread of end-use applications, and the sector has benefited from some growth in the office sector over the past 2 years. Mineral fibre, including soft fibre, ceiling tiles account for the largest share of the market, this share having remained fairly stable in recent years. Metal ceilings also remain popular and account for a significant share of the market, followed by gypsum.

The partitioning segment has seen only marginal rates of growth over the past two years, largely due to the high level of refurbishment and also due to their re-locatable nature. Price competition and office trends such as the growth of open plan workplaces has also influenced this market negatively. The dominant sector within the partitions market is demountable/relocatable partitioning, which has performed modestly in recent years though supported by the growing popularity of glazed partitioning.

The performance of the overall market has been variable in recent years and while growth was achieved in 2011, largely due to a value increase in the ceiling systems market, market performance in 2012 and 2013 was relatively static. The growth seen in 2014 is expected to mark the beginning of more substantial growth in this market, with the outlook for fit-out and refurbishment work remaining positive for 2015 and 2016, particularly in the office sector, where new build and refurbishment are expected to drive the market, especially in the south east and London in particular, where there is a shortage of prime Grade A office space.  

“Factors influencing the market for suspended ceiling tiles and partitioning systems in the short to medium term include raw material price fluctuations and improvements in product performance, in particular in terms of acoustics” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “There is also increased demand for a wider range of product options in terms of colours, designs and materials”.

The market for suspended ceilings and partitioning systems in the UK is forecast to be worth in excess of £340m by the end of 2019.

The ‘Suspended Ceilings and Partitioning Systems Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered by calling 01242 235724 or online at www.amaresearch.co.uk/Ceilings_and_Partitions_15.html.

Domestic Central Heating Market - 5 Key Facts

Did you know:

1) With around 92% of UK homes having central heating installed, the market is now mature but still offers further growth potential.

2) The market for domestic central heating products consists of refurbishment (81%), first time installations and new build.

3) System boilers have grown steadily in recent years and now account for around 10% of sales.

4) In terms of product type, the UK market for domestic radiators continues to be lead by standard radiator products, with an estimated share of 65%.

5) Domestic circulator sales in 2013 were up by around 10%.



These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Domestic Central Heating Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

UK market for Construction Chemicals to see 5% growth in 2015

The UK market for construction chemicals was estimated to have grown by 5% in 2014, although annual growth rates vary between product sub-sectors due to differing trends within key end user markets. Adhesives constitute the largest product group, and in recent years, growth in this sector has been driven by the recovery in the housing new build, as well as residential RMI and infrastructure applications.

Since 2012, the housing sector has seen market values for both new build and home improvement increase, something which has fed through to increased demand for many chemical products, in particular fillers, adhesives and sealants. Key areas of demand for construction chemicals include demand for admixtures for concrete and mortar products and adhesives used for glazing systems and bathroom installations.

The non-residential construction sector is also a key area of application for construction chemicals, split between infrastructure works and buildings. Construction output in the non-housing sector has also improved over the past 2 years and growth in the industrial sector, particularly R&D business parks and advanced manufacturing parks, is expected to lead to greater demand for resin floor systems.

Product supply chains vary according to product types. Although most fillers and sealants are distributed through DIY retailers, protection chemicals supplied through specialist chemical distributors or direct to the installers. The key manufacturers and suppliers across this industry are mainly subsidiaries or divisions of trans-national chemical product manufacturers. These typically have extensive product ranges for applications, other than construction, that include manufacturing, offshore and transport.

Medium term growth prospects for the overall market appear steady but modest, particularly for products mostly supplied to the home improvement and trade sectors - such as adhesives, sealants and protective chemicals - for use on residential RMI and refurbishment.

In addition, growing optimism in the commercial office sector should lead to increased refurbishment and redecoration work. Continued improvement in the infrastructure sector will also mean greater use of admixtures, sealants, protective coatings etc. for use in constructing buildings, bridges, sewers, tunnels etc. with road maintenance and parking infrastructure projects leading to higher demand for surface protection chemicals products for flat roofs, car park decking, concrete and metal structures and road surfaces.

“Factors which are likely to positively influence the overall market over the medium term future include improved levels of home improvement and new housebuilding activity as a result of economic recovery” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The private sector will be the main driver for medium-term growth, however questions still remain as to the level of future budget cuts for the public sector – something which could negatively impact on output into the medium-term.”

It is estimated that the market for construction chemicals will continue to grow at a modest rate of between 3-5% until 2019, to reach a value of around £620m.

The ‘Construction Chemicals Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

UK Domestic Landscaping Materials market to exceed £1bn by 2019

The market for domestic garden landscaping materials is forecast to see steady growth of 3-4% per annum following a period of volatile market conditions, caused by the economic downturn and weather conditions, particularly affecting the market in 2012. The market recovered in 2013, and subsequently grew by an estimated 7% in 2014, but growth in 2015 onwards is likely to be more modest.

The strong growth levels seen in 2014 were mainly due to favourable weather, an improving economy and increasing consumer confidence & spending. Annual growth rates in the market are heavily influenced by prevailing weather conditions, as seen in 2012 and 2014 in particular. Though the overall performance of the UK economy impacts on the market, it tends to cope well with economic downturns and has not suffered as badly as some other consumer markets.

Key product sectors in the UK domestic landscaping materials market are horticulture, which accounts for just under half of the market by value, hard landscaping and garden decoration. Since the start of the economic downturn, sectors of the landscaping materials market have performed differently, with sectors such as paving and decking declining, whilst sectors associated with ‘grow your own’ (GYO) have experienced overall growth.

Distribution of landscaping material is complex and fragmented, with products distributed through a wide range of channels. Key channels include DIY multiples, garden centres, builders’ merchants and mail order & internet businesses. Going forward, internet retailing is expected to continue to gain share as consumers seek greater value for money and convenience, with delivery of hard landscaping products a key issue. Garden centres are increasingly addressing this issue and it is likely that those companies prepared to evolve their formats and develop their offering will perform better than others in the future.

Garden centres are increasingly seen as ‘destination centres’ and have expanded their product ranges with the aim of weatherproofing their businesses to some extent. Trends that may benefit the market include increasing demand for artificial grass, permeable paving and other environmental friendly options (e.g. solar lighting) and container & ‘vertical gardening’.

“Key factors influencing market performance include the housing market, consumer confidence & spending, and levels of interest in gardening as a hobby or to grow produce, as well as the trend for gardens to be seen as an extension to the home and al fresco dining” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “In addition, the mature structure of most sectors and the growth in internet sales are also important as they tend to drive down average prices and increase price competition in the market.”

Predicting future performance in this market is difficult due to its dependency on the weather, as well as continued uncertainty regarding the pace of recovery in consumer confidence. However, housebuilding and house moving levels have improved recently and this is forecast to continue, stimulating growth in this sector. As the economy improves and consumer spending grows it is expected that the market will benefit from pent up demand for landscaping projects that have been deferred during the economic downturn and is forecast to exceed a value of £1bn by 2019.

The ‘Domestic Garden Landscaping Materials Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Waste Management Market - 5 Key Facts

Did you Know:

1) By value, the market for the collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of controlled waste was just under £20 billion in 2014.

2) It is estimated that UK CIW (Commercial and Industrial Waste) arisings are around 55 million tonnes in 2012/13.

3) There has been a slowdown in the growth of household waste recovery in England in recent years, stabilising at around 10.6m tonnes.

4) The volume of controlled waste landfilled has been declining steeply since 2002, towards 25m tonnes in 2014.

5) The leading 8 contractors account for around a quarter of the waste management services market.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Waste Management Market Report - UK 2014-2018 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.