The sun is out

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell says we have more to look forward to than a limited gathering with friends around a fire pit.

This week it is a pleasure to serve up a great big slab of optimism.

The first two stories show how, a year after the start of the first lockdown, investors are showing their confidence in the sector.

The first story details the MBO of Rocal by its senior management team. If anyone can gauge the potential success of a company, then the senior management team can. For them to put their money where their mouths are is not only a good indicator of the strength of the business, but also of the industry.

We’ll be publishing an in-depth look at what this MBO means in the April issue of Glass Times.

Second is the financial support won by Brisant-Secure which demonstrates that the industry is worth backing, even to an outsider.

“We’ve reached a point where we have more ideas for innovative hardware than we could bring to market on our own, and with BGF as an invested partner we can explore these opportunities and channels with this incredible pool of experience, knowledge and contacts,” Nick Dutton said.

For its part, BGF said: “Brisant’s success and impact on the market in such a short timeframe is remarkable.”

And then we have the monthly market reports: the Business Pilot Barometer says the industry has a reason to be optimistic; and IHS Markit explains how construction companies have experienced a “solid return to growth”.

It is early days, and the path to normality will be difficult, but the signs are encouraging.