The Year Ahead for GGF & FENSA Members

The Year Ahead for GGF & FENSA Members

Following the difficulties that we have experienced as an industry in the last 3 years, the key question is, what 2023 will look like for the window and door industry in the UK?

Unfortunately, the industry is still facing several challenges in 2023. Some of the key struggles include:

• Supply chain disruptions: The industry is facing disruptions in the supply chain due to Brexit and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leading to shortages of materials and increased costs.
• Skills shortage: There is a shortage of skilled workers in the industry, leading to delays and increased costs for companies. Fortunately, we now have the answer to this one in the GGF Skilled Pathway Scheme. I encourage all members to engage with us on this.
• Competition from imports: The industry is facing increased competition from cheaper imported products, putting pressure on companies to reduce costs and maintain profitability.
• Slow economic recovery: The UK economy is recovering slowly from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to reduced demand for new windows and doors.
• Regulatory changes: The industry is facing changes in Building Regulations, requiring companies to adapt and invest in new technologies and processes.
• These challenges are affecting the window and door industry in the UK and companies are having to find ways to navigate these difficulties while maintaining their competitiveness and profitability.

We are keen to focus attention on improving competency within our sector. The UK construction market as a whole is facing several issues related to competency, such as:

• Inadequate training: There is a lack of investment in training and development in the construction industry, which leads to a lack of technical knowledge and expertise among workers.
• Health and safety issues: Construction sites can be dangerous environments, and there is a need for greater focus on health and safety practices to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Quality control: There is a need for better quality control in the construction industry to ensure that projects are delivered to the highest standards and that buildings are safe, efficient, and fit for purpose.

These competency issues in the UK construction market are impacting the industry’s ability to deliver projects on time, on budget, and to the required quality standards. Addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from industry stakeholders, including employers, workers, and government agencies.

Some good news?

The UK Home Improvement market can be affected by various factors such as economic conditions, consumer spending, housing market trends, and government policies, which can change over time.

The market is expected to experience several changes in 2023. Some of the key predictions include:

• Growth in demand: The market is expected to defy expectations as homeowners continue to invest in improving their properties, despite the uncertain economic outlook.
• Focus on sustainability and energy efficiency: Consumers are becoming more focused on reducing their carbon footprint and energy bills, leading to increased demand for sustainable and energy-efficient home improvement products.
• Increased use of technology: The use of technology is expected to continue to grow in the home improvement market, with consumers adopting smart home devices, virtual consultations, and online shopping for products and services.
• Impact of Brexit: The UK’s exit from the European Union is expected to have a significant impact on the home improvement market, with potential changes in tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and changes in regulations.

Overall, the UK home improvement market is expected to perform strongly in 2023, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.

Despite these challenges, the UK window and door industry has continued to grow over the past three years with increasing demand for new and improved products. However, the industry is expected to continue to face challenges in the coming years, but if we have learned anything it’s that our industry can weather any storm.