Sales & expectations remain positive
Sales
On balance 24% of window fabricators (the difference between 40% who sold more and 16% who sold less) reported sales growth in May 2007 compared with April 2007. Large firms (net 40%) did better than mid-sized or small companies (26% and 20% respectively). Significantly more fabricators in the South and Midlands (net 34%) increased sales than those in the North (5%).
A net 48% of fabricators sold more windows and doors in May 2007 compared with the same period in 2006 (chart 1). Firms of all sizes and in all regions reported growth.
Forecasts
A net 46% of fabricators expected to sell more in June 2007 compared with May 2007. Large (net 60%) and small firms (57%) were particularly positive compared with mid-sized fabricators (20%). More companies in the South (net 55%) forecasted an improvement than those in the North (44%) or Midlands (34%).
On balance 43% of fabricators also anticipated better sales in June 2007 compared with June 2006 (chart 2). More large firms (net 80%) were bullish about growth than small (40%) or mid-sized companies (36%). Fabricators across the country expected to sell more over the period.
