Commercial growth set to stall – Palmer
9th January 2018

Four years of steady growth in the commercial glazing sector may be about to stall in ‘some areas’, according to a new report from Palmer Market Research.

According to the new The Commercial Glazing Markets 2017, t the commercial glazing market was 16% up on 2012, while it installed value jumped by more than 41%.

The report, which charts the performance of windows, curtain walling, roof glazing, shop fronts and entrance doors, shows that even over the last two years growth was as high as 6% and 10% respectively.

The report’s authors say this was driven by a ‘resurgence in the commercial offices sector’ and, to a lesser extent, the education sector – the two single largest areas of the market – but they go on to say that the unexpected result of the Brexit referendum has ‘to a greater or lesser extent, depending on segment within it, hit confidence throughout the commercial glazing sector’.

Managing director Robert Palmer said: “The outcome of the Brexit referendum was unexpected and that appears to have had a direct impact on the commercial glazing sector.

“This appears to be particularly acute in commercial office space, as large employers hedge their bets as to the nature of Brexit and put plans for new development on hold.”

Pressure on public sector budgets is also cited by the report as limiting the availability of funding for major capital spends. The report’s authors also highlight a squeeze on the high street as retailers shift more of their business online.

However, he continued. “It would be wrong to write-off the commercial glazing sector. There are and continue to be sizeable pockets of growth. Our forecasts have, however, changed significantly since the Brexit vote and we predict that it’s effects will continue to be felt for the foreseeable future.

The Commercial Glazing Markets 2017 edition, Palmer Market Research.

www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk