Facing 2025 – challenges & opportunities
From navigating economic uncertainty to embracing a renewed focus on sales strategy and quality, Nigel Leivers, managing director at Frame Fast, shares his thoughts on the year ahead.
As we cautiously tiptoe into 2025, there’s a mixture of uncertainty and opportunity in the fenestration industry.
The recent budget has left us with plenty of unanswered questions, particularly around the financial impact of the National Insurance rise. Like many managing directors and business owners, I find myself wondering just how much this increase will cost companies like ours. It’s an issue that will affect not only overheads but also the confidence of the broader business landscape.
That said, there are reasons to remain hopeful, particularly when it comes to planning reform. The Labour government has promised to speed up the notoriously slow planning approval process. If they deliver on this promise, it could provide a significant boost to construction and fenestration industries alike.
Faster approvals mean projects move forward sooner, creating more opportunities for suppliers, installers, and manufacturers. However, promises are one thing – seeing real change in action will be the true test.
Back to the battleground
When it comes to sales, 2025 will require a return to the basics of hard work and strategy. During the pandemic, the demand for home improvements surged, and for a time, sales seemed to land in our laps. Homeowners, confined to their properties, were eager to invest in their living spaces, which created a prosperous period for our industry.
However, that is now firmly behind us. The current economic climate is forcing businesses to rethink their approach. Sales are no longer easy wins, and this will act as a necessary wake-up call. Companies that fail to adapt will likely struggle.
When I first started in sales more than 21 years ago, things were very different. I was handed a notebook, a laptop, and told to go out and find my own customers. There was no shortcut to success – it was about putting in the time, forging relationships, and delivering real value to customers. I believe 2025 will see a return to this type of sales environment, where the basics of listening to customers and building trust are more important than ever.
Uncertainty as motivation
While uncertainty can create hesitation, it can also serve as a motivator. The challenges we face in the coming year – rising costs, increased competition, and economic instability – should push us to sharpen our focus and up our game. This means prioritising quality, innovation, and customer service.
At Frame Fast, we pride ourselves on manufacturing some of the best products on the market. In a challenging environment, having a strong product portfolio is non-negotiable. But it’s not just about having great products – it’s about how you position and deliver them. Companies that cut corners or fail to meet customer expectations may find themselves falling behind.
We need to focus on maintaining the highest standards, from the materials we use to the way we communicate with customers. If we put in the effort now, we’ll reap the rewards later. It’s a simple principle but one that remains as true today as it was when I started in this industry – you reap what you sow.
Looking ahead, I’m cautiously optimistic about what 2025 holds. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. For those of us in the fenestration industry, the key will be to adapt, innovate, and maintain the highest standards in everything we do.
We’ve been through uncertain times before, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience and hard work pay off. By staying focused and ensuring that quality and customer service remain at the forefront, I believe we can navigate the uncertainties of the coming year and come out stronger on the other side.
So, as we face 2025, let’s see the challenges as a chance to grow, evolve, and prove why we’re leaders in this industry. While it may not be an easy road, it’s one we’re prepared to face with determination and confidence.
The fenestration industry has always been about adapting to change, and 2025 will be no different. The key question is – are you ready to rise to the challenge? At Frame Fast, we are. Let’s make this year one of progress and success.