Shout it from the rooftops! The UK roofing market sees growth of 7% !

The overall UK roofing market grew by 7% in value terms in 2016, according to a new report by AMA Research. Since 2012, demand for roof coverings has been supported by the growth of housebuilding and domestic RMI, along with increased output in a number of commercial and industrial new build & refurbishment markets.

However, tendering for commercial and housebuilding roofing projects has remained highly competitive, and year on year performance has varied.

Overall market trends are largely determined by levels of demand for concrete roof tiles and metal panel systems, which together accounted for around half of total sales in 2016. While concrete tiles are predominantly used on commercial buildings, the main source of increasing demand has been volume housebuilding. Demand for roof tiles and slates is relatively lower within the commercial and industrial newbuild & major re-roofing and RMI sectors, with flat roofing and metal roofing systems being used to an increasing extent.

Distribution of roofing materials varies significantly between different product sectors. Builders’ merchants and roofing merchants are the key routes to market for suppliers of concrete and clay tiles, while independent importers and distribution networks are the main channels in the roofing slates sector, as the majority of products are imported. With flat roofing systems mainly used on commercial buildings, the main channels are roofing merchants and direct sales, while direct supply from the manufacturer is the main route to market for profiled metal roofing projects, which often require bespoke design, structures and close collaborations with manufacturers.

Several factors are threatening the construction market, and are likely to have a knock-on effect for the roofing market. Uncertainty following Brexit and the general election result appears to be undermining confidence within the UK construction industry at present, with Q2 2017 state of trade data from the Construction Products Association and ONS new orders and output statistics, suggesting major investors are starting to hold off from funding major commercial and industrial construction projects. Since 2015, an acceleration in the shortage of skilled roofers, which is likely to be exacerbated by the Brexit issue and a potential reduction of EU workers, has resulted in a demand for higher wages and contributed towards an overall reduction in margins.


Sales Jobs in the roofing sector >>

However, there are also a number of positive factors supporting the UK’s roofing market. A significant share of roofing materials goes into RMI and replacement projects, which support the market even during difficult economic times. The markets for EPDM and other types of single ply membranes (SPMs) have grown strongly over the last half dozen years, also taking some share from bitumen sheets within the commercial sector.

Keith Taylor, Director at AMA research, said: “The housebuilding market remains very positive in the sense that demand levels are high, and the Government has indicated that it wants to support the affordable sector with various schemes, something which should have a positive impact on the roofing sector. In addition, a large part of the roofing sector is driven by repair and maintenance and as such the market value has good support, even if the wider construction market turns more negative.”

Bearing these factors in mind, we forecast a stabilisation in demand for roofing products through to 2021, with more positive market growth in the latter part of the forecast period, reflecting some improvement in confidence and the economy as the impact of the EU exit settles down. As such the overall market is forecast grow by a very modest 4% between 2016 and 2021.

The ‘Roofing Market Report UK – 2017-2021 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Image from Shutterstock: shutterstock_366411191

New roofing show underlines positive vibe in the roofing market for 2013

Roofex is a new free specialist trade exhibition dedicated to the roofing sector. 

The event will feature leading exhibitors plus live demos, CPD seminars and training workshops. It is the biggest dedicated UK roofing show this year and if you are in the roofing trade or involved in its specification, design or distribution then make a date in your diary and visit the NEC, Birmingham in May.

Roofex, NEC, Birmingham (1 & 2 May 2013)
Exhibiting at the event and confirming their confidence in the market are over a hundred leading industry names including: Sika, Bauder, DuPont, Cromar, Dupont, Knauf, Ejot, Grace, Gradient ICB, Icopal; Kemper System, Kingspan Insulation, Klober, Rinus Roofing Supplies, Roto, SIG Roofing and Roofline Xtratherm and many more.

www.ukroofingshow.co.uk

There will be live demonstrations running throughout the day and over twenty seminars in dedicated theatres including one exclusively for CDP presentations. There is also a Training Zone where exhibitors will be running educational sessions.

Growth expected for roofing market
Research indicates that the market is set for growth in both the private and industrial roofing sectors. Therefore, it is a positive sector to be part of and one which is helping to lead the industry out of recession. This makes Roofex an ideal opportunity for you to find out more about the industry and what is going on with the people who are making it happen.

If you are looking for a job in the roofing sector or looking to develop your career, we have an excellent selection of roofing sales jobs. Call us on 01480 405225 to be part of this exciting area of the building materials' market.

FREE parking (if you pre-register)For those coming by car or van, Roofex organisers' are paying for the parking of all pre-registered visitors. 

For further details go to www.ukroofingshow.co.uk and register.

We will be visiting Roofex. If you would like to meet us there, email or call us today - 01480 405225.

Roofing sector looks forward to growth says new Plimsoll report

The construction and building materials’ market should be encouraged by the news that some sectors seem to be thinking more positively. Pin Board is pleased to learn that a new market research report, which looks into the financial performance of the UK’s largest 1000 roofing and cladding companies, has found that average growth in this sector could be as much as 7% this year.

Plimsoll, the respected market research company, has compiled the 2013 roofing and cladding market report. The analysis shows that 325 businesses are showing growth up to 30% compared to the average growth of 7%. Although this means that the larger growth is being driven by just a quarter of the industry, it is still positive news and to be welcomed. However, there is still some concern, especially for smaller companies, which should not be ignored.

David Pattison, chief analyst at Plimsoll, commented:  “At last growth seems to be returning to the sector. However, the key is to get growth and maintain the margin.  These roofing firms are seeing increases in volume, but many are achieving this at the expense in volume, but many are achieving this at the expense of profits and are reducing their profitability.  Average margins across these growing companies are low averaging 1.3% this well below the already very low industry of only 2.1%.

“It’s also significant that it is the largest companies that are increasing in sales the fastest. Typically, larger companies are seeing sales increases of almost 7.7% and this is clear evidence that the industry is consolidating more and more towards the dominance of the major players.

“For smaller companies in the market, this is the third consecutive year that sales have increased less than 2%.”

The report provides detailed information on the leading UK’s roofing firms. It provides an analysis of each company showing their strengths and weakness, as well as showing the fastest growing, those in decline and those making the most profits. More information on the Roofing and Cladding report.

Pinnacle Consulting is a construction sales recruitment specialist offering some of the best roofing sales jobs in the industry. Call us on 01480 405225 to discuss your needs.

Image courtesy of Ventrilock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net