From:
Steve Cross
Director Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd, Gloucester

The latest Fabricator & Installer Market Report by Insight Data makes for positive reading for us as a Spectus Vertical Slider fabricator, as the report names the vertical sliding sash window ‘the stand-out PVC-U product of 2014 …with 7,495 installers now actively offering this product, an increase of 600 firms compared to 2013.’

It confirms what we have long believed, that consumers are becoming more discerning when it comes to their choice of window. The general public is seeing the true enhancement that PVC-U vertical sliders deliver to their property, and are appreciating the benefits over traditional timber. Our order book over the past 13 years shows this clearly especially most recently. In 2014, our turnover was up 15% on the previous year and our year-end for 2015, due at the end of July, is on target to once again achieve 15% growth.

The most noticeable shift in recent years is the number of new business enquiries from installers who have been purchasing cheaper, lower quality competitor products. So it’s not just about the increase in VS installers it’s about the rise of a better standard of product. As homeowners are becoming more familiar with a PVC-U vertical sliding sash window levels of expectation and demand are rising. Many installers have turned to us because they’re finding that their current supplier just can’t offer the back-up when things go wrong.”

The Fabricator & Installer Market Report also highlighted the continued rise of the trade counter, an area that we are very familiar with. We’ve worked closely with a number of trade counters for many years. We recognise the value but more importantly, the nuances of supplying an over-the-counter product; we fully understand the need for a competitive product, reliable service and expert technical back up for people at the sharp end!

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk