Domestic Window Coverings - 5 key facts

Did you know...

1) Window coverings are valued at over £1.1 billion at retail prices in the UK.

2) Curtains are the largest sector, accounting for close to 50% of the market.

3) Blinds are the second largest sector, with venetian blinds accounting for over 30% of the sector.

4) Mail order/catalogue and the internet represent growing channels for window coverings – accounting for over 25% of sales.

5) Future prospects are for steady growth of around 3% per annum over the next 2 years.

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

Steady growth over the next 4 years in the UK Commercial Washrooms Market

The UK commercial washrooms market increased by 3% in 2014 compared to 2013, reflecting the improving market conditions post-recession within the non-domestic construction industry. The UK market is now showing some signs of recovery, following a static period over the past 5 years. The upward trend is driven by stronger RMI activity in non-residential sectors, allied to more positive new work activity.

Washroom panel systems continue to account for the largest sector of the market, followed by sanitaryware, brassware, showers/mixers and baths. It is estimated that around two thirds of commercial washroom products are distributed via trade channels such as builders / plumbers’ merchants and distributors. The remainder represents mainly direct sales from supplier to end-user and includes online.

The recession saw the emergence of more cost effective solutions within the commercial washroom environment, to cater for a range of budgets. At the same time, it is apparent that the trend towards higher value products with contemporary design has continued at the more premium end of the marketplace, driven by the private sector, such as upmarket hotels and leisure schemes. Applications include brass fittings and personalised logos to provide a customised feel. Manufacturers also appear increasingly focused upon specification-led work, providing total solutions for each application, such as education, healthcare and offices.   

There has also been an emphasis upon increased functionality within the commercial washrooms market, including greater use of intelligent technology to control water flow and temperature, as well as baths and showers with sensory options to provide a personalised experience. There is greater incorporation of energy efficient and water saving solutions across the commercial washrooms market, driven by legislation and the introduction of the Water Label.

“The high level of price competition, which is currently a feature of this market, is expected to continue, potentially curbing overall value growth within the marketplace. However, manufacturers will seek to offset this by focussing upon added value design, quality and performance” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The baths sector is likely to continue to face competition from showers, which are becoming more popular, and the more muted performance of the health sector and the potential trend towards smaller premises with more local delivery will exacerbate this trend.”

The overall commercial washrooms market is likely to show year on year growth over the next 4 years, as key application areas for commercial washrooms, such as entertainment & leisure and offices, benefit from private investment in RMI activity and the construction market as a whole sees gradual improvement. The entertainment and leisure sector has been relatively resilient to the recession and growth in the budget hotels sector has helped to counter balance the decline in food service and the larger scale sports facilities that were associated with the Olympics. However, continuing economic uncertainty due to high levels of debt within the Eurozone and planned budget cuts within the public sector, especially in health and education, may all restrict rates of growth.

The market is forecast to have increased by around 11% in 2019, to reach a value of around £340m at manufacturers’ selling prices.

The ‘Commercial Washrooms 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 Garden Products market set for further growth

The UK domestic garden products market is valued at around £5bn and has grown by an estimated 8% in 2014 according to a new report from AMA Research. Market forecasts are for further steady underlying growth to 2019, with the market benefiting from pent up demand in many product areas and a stronger performance in the housing market in the next couple of years - though the weather will always impact on the market in any given year.

Key product sectors in the market by value are horticulture – accounting for almost a 25% share – while garden sundries, garden buildings, garden equipment, leisure and chemicals all have shares typically ranging from around 10-20% of the total market. Individual sectors of the garden products distribution market perform differently - horticulture for example, benefited from the boom in GYO, conservatories have returned to growth since 2011, the fencing sector performed particularly well in 2014 due to the winter storms, and garden leisure has benefited from homeowners increasingly moving upmarket and using the garden as an ‘extra room’. Decking, however, is experiencing an underlying decline as its popularity appears to be falling.

Annual growth rates in this sector are influenced by prevailing weather conditions and market performance fluctuations reflect this variability. Also impacting on market performance are the UK economy and consumer confidence & spending, although the sector has tended to cope well with economic downturns, not suffering as badly as some other consumer markets. The market benefits from underlying trends for outdoor living, environmental concerns, and an ageing population that are generally more interested in gardening, however, the number of apartments and smaller size of UK gardens in new properties negatively impacts on the market in the longer term.

Distribution of garden products is complex and fragmented, consisting of a wide range of products distributed through a range of channels. Garden centres account for over 20% of total sales and are a key channel for horticulture, while DIY multiples are the largest channel and a key outlet for garden equipment & leisure products, and direct sales are important for garden buildings. In terms of product distribution, it is expected that DIY multiples and garden centres will remain the key distribution channels, but the Internet accounts for around 7-8% and mobile technology as a means of researching and buying products will continue to grow.

“Growth is forecast for most product sectors, but given the high maturity of most product sectors of the market, underlying growth rates are forecast to be more modest in the medium and long term, at a level of around 2-4% to 2019” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “Having said that, the development of some niche, less mature products, such as garden rooms - and a move upmarket in other sectors such as leisure products - are expected to benefit the market as these will experience slightly higher levels of growth.”

The ‘Garden Products Distribution 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.

Garden Leisure - 5 Key Facts

Did you know.... 

1) The domestic garden leisure market is worth around £600m.

2) Metal products account for over 40% of the garden furniture market.

3) The top 5 suppliers account for a combined share of around 30% of the garden furniture market. 

4) The barbeque market (including fuel and accessories) is valued at nearly £200m in the UK with 2014 a good year for the sector.

5) DIY multiples are the largest channel, but the mail order/internet channel is growing and now accounts for around 20% of sales.


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

UK Ventilation and Air Conditioning market returns to growth

The UK ventilation and air conditioning market experienced growth of 4% in 2014, and by the end of 2019 market value is forecast to have reached a value in excess of £1.2bn. Though growth rates expected between 2015 and 2019 can be considered moderate, this marks a turnaround for a market that has seen static conditions at best since the beginning of the economic downturn. 

The largest product sector is air conditioning systems, which account for over half of the market by value, followed by ventilation products and VAC accessories. Positive influences on the ventilation and air conditioning market in recent years have included increasing health, safety and energy efficiency legislation, revised Building Regulations and environmental legislation, all of which have stimulated product innovation and development.

The future performance of the UK ventilation and air conditioning market is likely to be influenced by overall trends in housebuilding and non-domestic construction, RMI activity, fuel prices, energy efficiency legislation, renewable technologies, levels of personal disposable income, plus climatic factors and air temperatures. More specifically, initiatives include The ErP Directive for ventilation fans, the European Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulation, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme which targets emissions from large public and private sector organisations, EU Fire Legislation and general concerns relating to fire and smoke precautions and The Green Deal.

Enhanced levels of market penetration are also likely to arise from product innovation and technological developments that will lead to an overall increase in system efficiencies. For example, variable speed drives, multiple scroll compressors, EC motors, heat recovery and demand control ventilation.

“In general, the UK ventilation and air conditioning market exhibits the characteristics of an increasingly mature market with manufacturers developing brand and product differentiation and niche specific sectors in order to secure competitive advantage” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The relatively wide range of end use sectors and specialist applications for UK ventilation and air conditioning products represents a supporting factor to underpin the long term market development.” 

The current forecast is based on steady growth in the economy and on business and consumer confidence levels. By 2019 it is estimated that the UK ventilation and air conditioning market will have increased by around 10% when compared to the estimated market size in 2015.

The ‘Ventilation and Air Conditioning 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.

Water Saving Products - 5 Key Facts

Did you know....

1) The UK water saving plumbing products market is estimated at £164 million at Manufacturers Selling Prices (MSP) in 2013.

2) The water efficient bathroom product sector is around 85% of the total in 2013.

3) Nearly two thirds of residential water is used in the bathroom either for showering, hand washing /bathing or flushing the toilet.

4) Direct sales via a specialist has 40% share of the water recycling systems market.

5) It is estimated that the UK market for rainwater harvesting systems has grown by over 50% in the last 4 years.

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

Sustained recovery forecast in the UK Commercial and Industrial Doors and Shutters market

The UK market for industrial and commercial doors and shutters experienced a difficult period in 2009-12 but has shown some recovery in 2013/14 and is worth in excess of £400m. The improving overall performance has been underpinned by a combination of a recovery in construction activity in the industrial/ warehousing and offices sectors.

Legislative changes have also had a significant impact on the sector in recent years. For example, in terms of replacement and refurbishment, the Fire Safety regulations and the Corporate Manslaughter Bill helped to influence investment in replacement and refurbishment doors and shutters during the downturn, and The Equality Act 2010 (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act) has helped drive growth in demand for retrofit and replacement of existing access areas with power-assisted and automatic doors and door controls. As a result, replacement installations account for around 60% of sales across the sector, though this varies between product groups

Personnel doors accounts for around 55% of the market and incorporates timber doors, hinged steel doors, aluminium framed manual entrance doors and automated pedestrian doors. In value terms, automated pedestrian doors represents the largest single sub-sector, although the timber hinged and steel hinged door sectors are also significant, and account for a combined share of almost 50%. Timber doors are largely used internally, with external usage continuing to decline in favour of steel and aluminium and other materials such as PVCu, which offer greater durability and lower maintenance.

The ‘industrial’ doors sector covers sectional overhead doors, high-speed doors, roller shutters, sliding & folding doors and flexible doors, and in 2014 this sub-sector accounted for some 43% of the total market for commercial and industrial doors and shutters. High-speed doors represent the largest and the highest added value sub-sector with sectional overhead doors the second largest sub-sector, followed closely by rolling doors and shutters/grilles. High-speed doors have increased their share of the market as building owners have become more conscious of the need to rapidly open and close doors for heat/cooling conservation and for security purposes.

“The supply of commercial and industrial doors and shutters remains very fragmented, with the larger suppliers supplying major construction and RMI contractors, and the smaller suppliers focusing on local and specialist sectors, as well as RMI and servicing” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “While timber doors are supplied primarily by UK specialist timber door manufacturers and joinery companies, the automated pedestrian door and industrial door sectors are dominated by international suppliers.”

The outlook is for sustained recovery in both the commercial and industrial door markets with forecasts of around 3% growth in 2015 and further steady modest annual growth of 3-4% through to 2019 to reach a value of over £490m.

The ‘Commercial and Industrial Doors and Shutters 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 water heating market to grow by 6% between 2015 and 2019

UK water heating market saw marginal growth in 2014, with an increase of a further 2% by value expected during 2015. Between 2010 and 2012, the UK water heating market was comparatively volatile in line with the uncertain economic situation at this time. However, since 2013 the market for water heating products has modestly increased, with demand picking up as the economy improves.

The core product sectors of the UK water heating market are; hot water storage systems, which account for around 70% of the market, instantaneous water heaters and boiling water heaters and taps.

The number of homes with hot water storage has declined significantly in recent years, with the increasing reliance on combination boilers for hot water provision. The vast majority of new homes now have a mains pressurised system installed as standard, predominantly in the form of an unvented storage cylinder in larger properties and a combination boiler in smaller to medium properties and apartments.

The market for instantaneous water heaters has seen some moderate growth more recently, particularly in the commercial sector. However, demand for multi-point instantaneous water heaters has been negatively impacted by the development of the market for combination boilers. This sector is dominated by replacement demand, which is a large, but declining market. The market for boiling water heaters for hot drinks has seen good growth over the last 5 years, particularly in commercial applications such as offices, staff canteens and factories.

Positive influences on this market include the growing concerns about energy efficiency and the environment. The government has introduced a significant amount of environmental legislation in recent years placing a greater emphasis on carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. In general terms, water heating products are being increasingly designed to deliver improved thermal performance, in order to achieve lower running costs. This trend has been influenced by the further revisions to Part L in 2013. These changes have contributed to a reduction in the overall space and water heating load in the new build sector, with more stringent energy efficiency and insulation requirements.

The majority of water heating products are distributed via the trade channels such as builders/plumbers merchants, electrical wholesalers and specialist heating distributors. In addition, there are an increasing number of products sold via the internet either through online retailers or, in the case of boiling water taps, direct via manufacturers’ websites.

“The future performance of the UK water heating market is likely to be influenced by overall trends in house building and construction, RMI activity, fuel prices, energy efficiency legislation, renewable technologies, levels of personal disposable income, patterns of hot water consumption and niche segments such as the self-build market” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The ErP Directive and other initiatives such as the ECO scheme and the Green Deal will also influence growth to some extent, and the widespread roll-out of smart meters over the next few years will impact on the demand for energy efficient water heating solutions.” 

Current forecasts are based on steady recovery in the economy and on consumer and business confidence levels. By 2019 it is estimated that the UK water heating market will have increased by 6-7% when compared to the estimated market size in 2015.

The ‘Water Heating 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.

Strengthening demand in the commercial offices market drives a recovery in construction work in the sector

Following a difficult few years, the UK commercial office market has experienced a strong bounce-back in output in the last 2 years, as both business and consumer confidence began to return. Demand has increased across London and many key regional cities, representing a significant growth in take-up and falling supply, and office rents are now also returning to growth.

The offices sector was particularly hard hit by the downturn with funding severely restricted and a shrinking development pipeline leading to a significant decline in output and new orders. However, the last 18 months has seen renewed demand intensifying across the UK office market, leading to a growth in construction output by 13% in 2014 to reach £8.7bn.

As a result of improved market conditions, total take-up for 2014 was estimated to be the highest since 2007 and highlights a return to growth for the office market as a whole. The majority of take-up in 2014 was for Grade-B space, reflecting the very limited supply of Grade-A available stock. In addition, a sustained recovery in the central London office market in 2014 saw take-up at its highest annual rate since 2001 and all London markets have seen increased occupier demand over the last 12 months.

The outlook over the next 4 years to 2019 remains buoyant for the commercial office construction market driven by an acute lack of existing stock across many cities, increased demand for space from occupiers and a significant number of lease expiries due over the next few years, which will further fuel demand.

“In terms of opportunities for the construction market, the resurgence of speculative office development, together with a notable increase in office refurbishments is driving work for contractors operating in the commercial offices sector” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “Traditionally, office fit out and refurbishment work has been dominated by specialist firms, but this is changing with a number of larger contractors taking advantage of the increase in office refurbishment work. “

Going forward, prospects for office construction output are on the rise, with London and the South East leading the recovery and, given the nationwide strength in demand, it is expected that output in the commercial offices market will continue to grow by between 6-8% per annum over the next few years.  

The ‘Commercial Office Construction Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report 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.

Growth prospects look positive in the UK health and safety products sector

The UK market for health and safety products in non-domestic applications experienced steady growth in 2014 to reach an estimated value of around £730m, having declined in value terms between 2011 and 2013.

This market is mature and, as a consequence, is heavily reliant on activity and output in construction and manufacturing, as well as a strong economy. It is also strongly price driven as a result of rising imports, which has constrained value growth in recent years.

Personal protection equipment accounts for the largest sector of the market in value terms, with an estimated share of over 40% in 2014. The sector covers a wide range of products including head, face, eye, hearing and respiratory products, as well as clothing, gloves, safety footwear and fall protection equipment. Hygiene products and first aid products also account for significant shares of this market, though these sectors are characterised by comparatively low value refill items, intense price competition and a strong presence of unbranded products, which have restricted market growth.  

Key factors driving recent growth include new legislation/updates to existing legislation, as well as regular initiatives by the HSE focusing on specific industries or activities – such as the construction sector – and targeting poor standards and unsafe working practices as part of a nationwide drive.

Periodic health scares also drive sales and stockpiling of equipment by the public sector and essential services, although the influence is generally temporary. They also tend to refocus attention on the importance of handwashing and other anti-contamination measures, particularly in hospitals and public places.

The use of reusable products, where possible, has become a permanent feature of the market, driven in part by cost but also by convenience and the need to avoid contamination and the spread of infection. Product development continues to focus on value added features to sustain value growth.

“In the short term, demand will be sustained by the current positive economic trends, with growth in construction, manufacturing and services driving recovery” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “In the medium term, the outlook for construction remains fairly positive, with growth in housebuilding and general construction activity. Changes to legislation are ongoing and the outlook for employment is also positive.”

Distribution is focused around health & safety specialists and general distributors, with a combined share of over 50%, with online sales growing. As a result, price competition will remain intense, particularly in terms of low-value products and disposables, and this will constrain value growth, with the cost of compliance a relatively heavy burden, particularly for SMEs. However, the market is forecast to continue growing in the medium term, with the annual rate of growth peaking in 2016/17 at around 4%.

The ‘Health and Safety Products 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.