Businesses need to put plans in place now if they are to weather the storm and face an expected tough year ahead for the industry. That was the overriding message spelled out to nearly 500 industry leaders who gathered at the Glazing Summit this week.
The warning came after a live poll at the event revealed that nearly three quarters of those attending (71%) reported ‘a significant decline’ in the market over the last year.
“The industry has slowed, and companies once again need to focus on their brand, reputation and marketing strategy,” Summit founder Andrew Scott told the capacity audience at the event, now in its fifth year, at the Edgbaston Stadium.
“Businesses that invest in marketing during challenging times out-perform their competitors and capture market share, meaning they can grow even in a slowing market.”
Andrew also highlighted that the industry must improve its sales skills, after a boom period when, e said many sales people ‘became order-takers’.
Other highlights included keynotes from Insight Data’s operational manager Alex Tremlett on the company’s ‘State of the Industry Report;’ the GQA’s Strategic Relationship Manager Dan Brown on the implications of the New Building Safety Act and economist Ed Johnstone on the UK’s economic outlook.
The day was then rounded off by inspiration business speaker Brad Burton on how delegates can make positive and lasting change faster to shape the future of their businesses.
“Glazing Summit 2023 illustrated the industry’s commitment to exchange ideas, share best practice and drive innovation and we are proud to have created an event that not only showcases the industry but also paves the way for its future” Andrew concluded.
