Window & door fabrication market ‘mildly optimistic’
The UK window & door fabrication market is only mildly optimistic according to new research from AMA. The strong performance seen throughout 2013 to 2016 has started to flatten out in 2017. Competition remains intense in the current challenging economic environment, and therefore growth prospects are reported to be modest. Many fabricators have responded by broadening their […]
“Augmented reality” & bridging the imagination gap
Augmented reality (AR) could change the way consumers buy home improvements, according to Digital Bridge’s CEO David Levine. In an article for KBB Review, he explained how AR technology can help customers overcome their hesitation to buy large ticket items such as kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. The issue, known as the imagination gap, is estimated […]
ICO supports FSB campaign to help SMEs prepare for the GDPR
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today launched a campaign, supported by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), urging small businesses to prepare for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). New research by the FSB found that over a third (33%) of small businesses have not yet started preparations for the new laws, whilst a […]
Leading suppliers back National Home Improvement Week
National Home Improvement Week (12th March to 18th March) is being launched to the home and garden industry by the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). Using the strapline ‘Love The Home You Live In’, the consumer awareness week is backed by 15 leading brands, including Akzo Nobel (Dulux, Polycell, Hammerite, Cuprinol), Stanley Black & […]
Wall and floor tile market grows by 8%
The UK floor and wall tiles market experienced a growth rate of 8% between 2014 and 2017, and is expected to grow by a further 7% up to 2021 (AMA Research). AMA reports that the ‘improve not move’ trend is a positive influence on the market, however the continuing trend for splash-backs, upstands and painted […]
Phone ban could hit Home Improvement firms
The Telephone Compliance Council (TCC), which represents the interests of businesses that rely on tele-canvassing, has expressed concerns that new rules could result in a ban on telephone marketing. Under the current draft of the EU’s ePrivacy Directive, the TCC believe companies will need consent to call members of the public, this includes contacting customers […]
Significant growth in composite door sector forecast
The composite door sector will see significant growth through to 2021, according to a new report from Palmer Market Research. According to ‘The Market for Domestic Entrance Doors’, composite doors now account for 54% of the market, the share rising to 56% by installed value with the inclusion of PVC/ABS faced doors. This follows an […]
New conference for the G&G industry
The 2018 Glazing Summit will take placed on 22nd May at the St Johns Hotel & Conference Centre in Solihull. The event is open to fabricators, installers, glass companies, distributors and material suppliers from across the glazing industry. A line-up of experts will discuss the future of the industry as opportunities and threats emerge; from […]
Government launches Office for Product Safety & Standards
The Government has set up a new “national oversight body tasked with identifying consumer risks and managing responses to large-scale product recalls and repairs” in response to the Working Group report on product recalls and safety, which was published in July 2017. The Office for Product Safety and Standards – which will be part of […]
Bathroom market set to grow by 12% over next four years
A new report by AMA Research has found that the UK bathroom product market achieved value growth of 3% last year, and is expected to grow by a further 12% over the next four years. However, the research noted that the “pace of growth” did slow in 2017 compared with the previous two to three […]