Goodbye 2024…and here’s to 2025!

As 2024 draws to a close, I’m sure that most would agree that it has been a challenging year, hampered by a wet spring, hopes raised (and then dashed) by a promising Euro’s tournament and hopes raised once more (and then dashed again…) by a general election and change of government.

But it has also served to illustrate how the industry continues to innovate and adapt, despite difficult conditions. There have been new products launched, new service initiatives rolled out and businesses up and down the supply chain have continued to make significant investments, whether that’s improving processes on the factory floor, or enhancing their workforce.

There have been casualties. In recent weeks we’ve seen a couple of high-profile names close their doors, and as I write these words, I’m told that another big industry brand is just about to go into administration – the news may even have been made official by the time you read this comment.

And after talking to a number of industry leaders, the general consensus is that we are likely to see more failures of this nature in the New Year and perhaps well into 2025.

So, are there any positives to look out for once the Christmas holidays are over and we’re all back to work in January?

Well, if the various industry forecasts are anything to go by, then hopefully we can look forward to a (relatively modest) upturn in home improvements over the next 12 months, as well as continued demand for products at the higher end of the market.

We can also start to get ready for the FIT Show, which is scheduled to open its doors at the end of April. That earlier than usual date will no doubt mean a flurry of PR and marketing at the start of the year, as exhibitors gear up for the industry’s premier showcase of new products and services – activity that usually delivers a welcome boost of positive energy.

Until then, I would just like to extend a Happy Christmas and New Year from all the team here at Glass Times. Here’s to a prosperous 2025.