Defying stagnation
Conservatory Outlet has reported record order levels for the first quarter of 2017.
The period January to April of this year has seen the Wakefield-based fabricator achieve an average 15% increase in orders from its network members against the same period last year.
Michael Giscombe, MD at Conservatory Outlet, said: “We’re really pleased at the strong performance we’ve achieved in the early part of this year, and despite market trends this doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.
“Our success is down to a combination of attributes exclusive to our network: our ability to share best practice among our close-nit family of retailers, combined with top quality products, and of course the hard work and dedication of each network member.”
Recent reports from AMA Research estimate that the conservatory and glazed extensions market increased by just 3% in 2016. Although value growth has been relatively strong, volume growth is less buoyant with only a 1%-2% increase in the past two years, and only modest volume increases currently forecast to 2020.
The market is said to be defined by modern product features, including superior thermal efficiency, high specification self-cleaning glass, coloured frames and bifolding doors.