Insight Data has revealed the findings of its latest market research report, providing a comprehensive overview of the window, door and glazing industry. We talk to Insight’s operations manager, Alex Tremlett, to find out more.

The 2021 edition of the Insight Data State of the Industry report offers a top-down view of the sector and the companies within it.

It also highlights continued consolidation as the number of fabricators and installers decline, and looks at how both Covid-19 and Brexit has taken its toll on the industry.

Alex Tremlett, operations manager at Insight Data, said: “The previous Insight Data report was published in 2017, and over the last five years the market has changed dramatically.

“No one could have ever predicted the Coronavirus pandemic and the wider impact it would have on the sector following the first national lockdown in March 2020 – just eight weeks after the UK left the European Union.

“It has certainly been an unprecedented few years which has led to many ups and downs for businesses operating in the UK.”

Quality industry insight

According to Alex, Insight Data’s team has conducted extensive research and telephone interviews with 14,000 fabricators, installers and suppliers of windows, door, conservatories and sealed units to create this in-depth analysis of the market.

“Our in-house research team has worked incredibly hard to collect, update and verify every Insight Data database to build this detailed report which vividly paints a picture of the current state of the sector,” adds Alex.

“To make sure we provide the most transparent view of the industry, our researchers also cross-reference the market intelligence they’ve gathered with key financial information from a credit reference agency.”

State of the industry

“Understanding the current state of the industry is the best way for any business to assess the current markets and successfully plan-ahead – and our report does exactly that,” outlines Alex.

“Our most recent research reveals a decline in the number of window, door, IGU and conservatory companies across the UK.

“Exploring data from December 2021, we found there are fewer firms in comparison to 2017 – when the previous report was published. With a decline of 7.6% since 2017, the data shows almost 2,000 companies have been removed from the market during this four-year period.

“As companies come under greater financial pressure, we could continue to see an increase in merger and acquisition activity and a rise in business closures – reducing the overall number of companies in the industry further.”

The future landscape

To help support companies operating within the window, door and conservatory market, the data and marketing intelligence specialists at Insight Data have also included several future predictions for the industry based on their research and findings.

“Although the sector continues to evolve at a rapid rate, the boom appears to be over as the market stabilises,” explains Alex.

“The spectre of recession is on the radar, with 30-year high inflation levels and economic uncertainty. Yet, the unemployment rate is below pre-pandemic levels, job vacancies are at a record high and wages are rising rapidly. Combine this with current low interest rates and a strong housing market, the indicators are positive for the home improvement sector.

“In fact, our view is that the market will return to pre-2020 levels this year and will remain stable particularly for desirable products such as aluminium bi-folds and sliders, flush sash windows, vertical sliders, composite doors and conservatory upgrades.

“We’re seeing local builders winning more significant work in home renovation and extensions which presents an exciting opportunity for suppliers, who can target these new customers, and window installers who can utilise this opportunity to take market share in this segment.”

Powerful findings

“Our latest report is the benchmark for the sector, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the fenestration industry including detailed research and an in-depth analysis of markets, products and trends,” comments Alex.

“Reports like this really demonstrate the strength and power of Insight Data and our team of experts.

“Whether customers want to conduct market research projects with us, utilise our Salestracker or email marketing platform, they’ll have full access to this unrivalled market intelligence which can be used to build high-impact campaigns, accurately assess different markets and strategically plan ahead.”

The new State of the Industry report is available to download now for free from the Insight Data website: https://www.insightdata.co.uk/reports/