We have seen a growing number of premium products enter the market over recent years and that trend augers well for the future. Whilst too many installers still ‘pile it high and sell it cheap’, those with an eye on margins have increasing access to solutions that command higher prices and enhance their offering. Flush sash products are now well established and solid conservatory roofs widely available. More recent growth has been in PVC firms offering aluminium bifold doors. High security products have been doing well and we expect them to do better in 2018.

Windowbase, the UK window, door and conservatory database, has been tracking growth in trade counters in recent years. Now we are seeing a rise in builders’ merchants offering bespoke PVC windows. This gives installers increasing freedom to shop around, rather than being tied to one fabricator and system. They can also obtain windows and doors in ever-shorter lead times. Fabricators will need to up their game, with improved customer service and responsiveness, if they are to prevent previously-loyal installers buying elsewhere.