PRESS RELEASE

May 2008

Kitchen & Bathroom Distributors Market: Debt Surges

Research for a new report on the Kitchen and Bathroom Distributors market has found that the industry is set to experience tougher trading conditions in 2008/9, despite signs that the market should continue to experience positive performance in terms of overall sales turnover.

The industry has experienced positive levels of asset growth in recent years and this has continued in 2007/8 according to specialist publisher, MTW Research. However, the report also identifies that a substantial proportion of this asset growth may have been heavily subsidised by rising levels of borrowing by the industry. In 2007, the combined assets of the Kitchen and Bathroom Distributors grew by around 4%, whilst borrowing rose by 5%.

Whilst rising levels of debt taken on by the distributors may present pessimistic reading, MTW also point to the fact that industry liabilities remain at a relatively comfortable 30% of total turnover. However, this ratio has continued to climb from 24% in 2004 and is forecast to reach around 34% by 2012, highlighting the likelihood of a more difficult trading environment, particularly against a backdrop of static profit levels.

The research also found that that whilst positive growth in turnover since 2004 is likely to have sustained a degree of optimism in the market, this has in part been at the expense of profit margins. MTW’s 100+ page review of the industry indicates that profitability is likely to remain static in the longer term and potentially decline in 2008/9, reflecting the current economic climate.

The in-depth report goes on to find that an ‘average’ distributor’s turnover has risen by around 7% since 2004, reflecting growth at, or slightly below, inflationary levels in recent years. Forecasts for turnover, profitability, asset and debts are provided by MTW to 2012, with a number of reasons for the industry to be reasonably cheerful in the longer term, though the report also highlights a clear need for caution in terms of borrowing.

Alongside both the industry overview and ‘average’ distributor illustrations, MTW also provide a useful financial profile for the kitchen and bathroom distributors, each with a key performance indicator chart enabling the reader to quickly gauge a competitor’s or customer’s recent performance in the market. In addition, the report also includes full mailing address details and senior decision maker contact details for manufacturers wishing to increase their sales through these companies.

This unique and insightful report is priced from GBP 375 and can be purchased exclusively from MTW Research by calling 08456 524324 or by ordering online by clicking here, where a free sample is available to download.

PRESS RELEASE

April 2008

Rainwater Harvesting Market Tops £8 Million

A new report published on the UK Rainwater Harvesting market reveals the industry has experienced triple digit growth in the last 3 years and is set to reach in excess of GBP8 million in 2008, exceeding many expectations within the industry.  The report, published by specialist research agency MTW Research also forecasts continued strong growth to 2012, with penetration levels rising consistently to 2020. 

The study consisted of a comprehensive review of the market by value and volume and also provides a detailed analysis of numerous positive and negative influences driving the rainwater harvesting market at present.  New announcements in 2008 of particular importance include the adoption of the Code for Sustainable Homes and the recent Water Strategy announcements in February 2008, though the report also identifies a large number of other issues impacting the sector. 

MTW have also provided regional estimates for the rainwater harvesting market, as well as providing product and sector shares for commercial and domestic applications.   In addition a full PEST analysis offers good insight into the market in terms of enabling the reader to quickly understand the key dynamics of the market.  The result being a unique and comprehensive review of a new, dynamic market in a fast growth life cycle stage. 

Key applications and uses for rainwater harvesting products for both the domestic and non-domestic sectors are also identified by MTW.  Within the non-domestic sector, the research found that Education, Retail and Warehousing represent substantial sectors, with the Prisons sector also driving demand in recent months.  MTW suggest that this trend is set to continue as more projects come on stream.

The report goes on to review the major players in the market, with more than 40 pages in this 90+ page report dedicated to profiling the key manufacturers and distributors.  MTW provide competitor analysis for 50 companies, including profiles, balance sheets for the last 3 years and a financial health indicator chart for each company. 

Priced from £565, the report is available to purchase by calling 08456 524324 or by ordering online at MTW Research’s website here, where a free sample is available to download. 

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PRESS RELEASE

March 2008

New Email Listing for Builders Merchants Market

The UK Builders Merchants Market represents a vital distribution channel for the UK building and construction products industry in 2008, with widely reported sales of more than £11 billion per year.

However, recent signs are that the sector has tightened since 2006 and the need for more focused and effective methods of marketing have grown in importance. In recognition of this, specialist construction research publishers MTW Research have launched a brand new, uniquely focused database covering the UK Builders Merchants Market in 2008.

The listing is designed specifically for building product manufacturers and distributors to grow their sales through the Builders Merchants market in 2008 and beyond. MTW’s database offers a traditional mailing list with more than 2,000 senior or purchasing contact names, alongside full TPS / MPS screened address and telephone data. In addition, MTW also include more than 330 email addresses for head offices and single sites, providing companies with a highly cost effective method of marketing to these distributors.

The multi-use, no restrictions database is priced at just 23 pence per record, reflecting excellent value for money. By focusing on head offices and single sites, MTW’s database also provides a more focused cost effective marketing tool, by removing the need to target branches which have little or no purchasing power.

Available to purchase now from MTW’s website for GBP450, the Builders Merchants Market Database 2008 is available in a range of formats and is compatible for all software or CRM applications. A free sample is also available to download from the website, or by calling 08456 524324. 

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PRESS RELEASE

March 2008

Access Equipment Industry Worth £1 Billion in 2008

The UK Access Equipment Industry is likely to be worth in excess of £1 billion in 2008, up by more than 10% since 2007, according to a new independent report.  Since 2004, the access equipment industry has grown in value by 40% to exceed £1 billion for the first time, reflecting a continued underlying strength and general optimism in the sector.  The 150-page report also points to continued high levels of profitability for many of the key suppliers of Access Equipment in the UK. 

The research for this independent report, published by construction research specialists MTW Research, also found that whilst debt levels in the industry continued to rise by around 2-3% each year, growth in assets has generally outstripped this rise, resulting in relatively buoyant market conditions since 2004.  MTW indicate that this trend should continue, though liabilities are likely to top £2.5 billion by 2012, highlighting the importance of continued growth in demand for access equipment products. 

MTW go on to state that average sales growth has tended to outperform inflation in recent years, with a reasonably optimistic forecast to 2012, albeit against a backdrop of rising inflation in 2008.  In addition, there has been continued growth in average profitability levels in recent years, suggesting that the industry stands in good stead to weather any short term difficulties in the UK economy. 

MTW have ranked more than 120 companies by a variety of financial indicators, such as sales, profit levels, assets, net worth and liabilities.  The result is a non-complex report which could be used in a strategic management review or as a key tool in developing an effective understanding of the access equipment industry and developing key marketing objectives. 

The remainder of MTW’s report provides a 1 page financial profile, including a financial indicator chart, for each of the 120 companies.  This useful feature means that the reader is able to quickly gauge the performance of their competitors and provides a comprehensive review of this industry overall.  The report is available to purchase by calling 08456 524324 or by ordering online MTW Research’s website, where a free sample is available to download. 

PRESS RELEASE

March 2008

Underfloor Heating Industry Set To Top £300 Million

A contemporary report on the UK Underfloor Heating Industry, from specialist publisher MTW Research, has found that the sector is set to exceed a net worth of £300 million in 2008.  Buoyant growth in assets, coupled with a continued decline in debt levels by the majority of underfloor heating suppliers, continued to boost the industry during 2007.  According to MTW, this healthy level of growth is also likely to continue at least until 2012. 

The research for this new report, competitively priced at £375, also found that sales revenue grew by 10% in 2007.  Despite forecasts of a slight slowdown, MTW predicts that turnover growth should remain reasonably strong in the short to medium term.  In addition, the industry also experienced substantial growth in profitability during 2007, with profit levels set to rise faster than inflation in 2008, despite current predictions of a slowdown in the UK economy, and against a backdrop of rising inflation.

The report goes on to find that the total assets of the underfloor heating industry are set to top £730 million in 2008, having grown from £620 million in 2004, underlining the positive performance in terms of the industry’s net worth.  MTW’s report also states that debt levels should continue to fall to below £390 million by 2012. 

MTW’s original report also reviews average sales, profit levels and other financial indicators in the report, with figures provided since 2004, and forecasts to 2012.  These figures highlight the continued fragmentation in the market in terms of supply, with average sales revenue only recently reaching double digits.

Total sales of the 75 UFH suppliers ranked by MTW are forecast to exceed £1 billion for the first time in 2008, reflecting the ongoing strength and demand for UFH products.  The report, available to purchase exclusively from MTW’s website or by calling 08456 524324, also ranks the suppliers by profit, assets, net worth & number of employees as well as including a 1 page financial profile and ‘health indicator chart’ for each company.  Further information and a free sample of the report is available to download from MTW’s website. 

PRESS RELEASE

February 2008

Housing Groups Exceed 1 Million Social Homes

A new 2008 database on Housing Associations and Social Landlords highlights how building product suppliers and contractors are needing to adapt their marketing techniques in order to successfully grow sales in the UK social housing market.  The growing significance of buying groups and a continued consolidation in the market in terms of housing stock is highlighted by publishers MTW Research in this new database.

MTW, a specialist independent building research company, has found that Housing Groups are becoming increasingly important in social housing refurbishment and construction.  These co-operative groups, formed by Housing Associations to achieve greater purchasing power and more effective economies of scale, now account for over 1.1 million social dwellings in 2008.  The database identifies the 60 groups and their 200 members, representing more than 70% of the UK Housing Association market in 2008. 

MTW are known for their relevant, added value databases, with this listing providing the dwelling stock owned by each housing group as well as the largest 450 Housing Associations, split by England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  This neat additional feature should provide suppliers and contractors with the ability to identify and target associations with higher levels of stock and larger budgets, resulting in a more effective marketing campaign.

The bulk of the database includes address, telephone and contact name details for more than 4,700 Housing Associations and has been assembled by MTW in an easy to use, ‘no-nonsense’ manner.  Exporting to other database applications or merging to printed documents is therefore simple and offers building products suppliers of all sizes the ability to target this sector in a cost effective manner.

As with all MTW’s databases, this listing is offered to purchase rather than rent, and is ‘multi-use’ with no restrictions on its’ usage.  The database is available to purchase immediately for GBP450 by calling 08456 524324 or through the company’s website.  Further information and a free sample of the Housing Associations and Social Landlords Database – UK 2008 is available to download from the MTW Research website.

PRESS RELEASE

February 2008

Independent Electrical Wholesalers Maintain 50% Share

MTW Research have published a brand new 2008 database and mailing list encompassing more than 90% of UK Electrical Wholesalers and Distributors, emphasising that this channel remains a vital and significant route to market for the UK Electrical Products and Components Industry. 

MTW, a specialist independent building research company, has found that whilst consolidation in many sectors in the UK Electrical Products market continues, 50% of all Electrical Wholesalers and Distributors have a turnover of less than £1 million.  The database supports findings that reflect the ongoing importance of targeting smaller independent wholesalers as well as the regional and multi-nationals.  As such, suppliers are likely to continue to experience positive volume growth through this route to market, though the importance of effective marketing strategies and relevant mailing lists will become increasingly important in this competitive channel.

The database, which includes turnover estimates for each company, highlights that there is a clear market distinction and growing polarisation in terms of sales in this channel, with over 1200 electrical wholesalers and distributors achieving a turnover of less than £1 million.  MTW’s new database highlights the need for accurate and detailed mailing lists in this sector in order that manufacturers and distributors may effectively increase sales in a cost effective manner through this route to market. 

New for 2008, MTW’s multi-use, no restrictions database includes full company name, address, telephone number and turnover estimates for more than 2,500 Electrical Wholesalers and Distributors, representing more than 90% of this channel’s sales in the Electrical Products market.  With more than 2,300 senior decision maker/head of purchasing contact name records, the database provides instant, quality sales leads and is invaluable for companies who are seeking to grow sales to the Electrical Wholesale market.   The database is available to purchase now for £450.

PRESS RELEASE

January 2008

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Editorial Preface

MTW Research are a brand new, independent publisher of market research reports & databases for the UK Construction & Building Products Industry.  The following is an article based on the publication of a new database on Bathroom Retailers & Installers.  Please use this press release as required, though we would appreciate the inclusion of the database price (£450), website (www.marketresearchreports.co.uk) and/or telephone number 08456 524324 in any editorial printed.  For more information please email us at sales@marketresearchreports.co.uk.

Bathroom Retailers & Installers Channel Remains Attractive Target in 2008

MTW Research have published a brand new 2008 database and mailing list encompassing more than 80% of UK Bathroom Retailers & Installers, which finds that this channel remains a vital and significant route to market for the UK Bathroom Products Industry. 

MTW, a specialist independent building research company, has found that whilst consolidation in many sectors in the UK Bathroom market continues, the Bathroom Retailers & Installers channel remains dominated by independents.  As such, manufacturers and distributors are likely to continue to experience positive volume growth through this route to market, though the importance of effective marketing strategies and relevant mailing lists will become increasingly important in this competitive channel. 

The database, which includes turnover estimates for each company, highlights that there is a clear market distinction in terms of size in this channel, with over 70% of bathroom retailers & installers achieving a turnover of less than £100,000.  At the opposite end of the revenue scale, companies achieving sales of more than £500,000 represent around 5% of all companies, highlighting the need for accurate and detailed databases in this sector which not only provide address and contact details, but also turnover indicators. 

Rising raw material prices and continued pressure on margins means that bathroom products manufacturers and distributors in the industry are increasingly seeking more effective ways of reaching their chosen target market.  The ability to segment a target market by turnover is now not merely a luxury, but a necessity, in order to focus a sales force and develop more profitable marketing techniques.   

New for 2008, MTW’s database includes full company name, address, telephone number and turnover estimates for more than 1,700 Bathroom Retailers and Installers, representing more than 80% of this channel’s sales in the Bathroom products market.  With more than 1,450 senior decision maker/head of purchasing contact names, the database provides instant, quality sales leads and is invaluable for companies who are seeking to grow sales to bathroom retailers and installers.   The database is available to purchase now for £450, with information & free samples available from www.marketresearchreports.co.uk or by e-mailing sales@marketresearchreports.co.uk.

PRESS RELEASE

December 2007

Editorial Preface

Full Details & A Free Report Sample is Available by Clicking Here:-

Click Here to View Full Report Details & Free Sample

£3 Billion Commonwealth Boost for Scotland Construction

A new, independent report published by MTW Research has found that the recent successful bid by Glasgow to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games is likely to result in more than £3 billion of expenditure on private and public construction and refurbishment in the area between now and 2014.  

The potential market for building products suppliers, contractors and other companies is substantial and likely to grow significantly until 2010, though high levels of public and private investment will sustain a strong demand in the market until at least 2014.  Many of the plans for the new venues in Glasgow will be published in the OJEU (Official Journal for the European Union) in the next few months and companies will need to react quickly if they are to establish a meaningful presence in this market. 

MTW’s report, which is available to purchase for £450, reviews the venues and profiles for each project with spending plans and timescales provided.  The report also quantifies the level of RMI and new build activity by hotels in Glasgow to 2014, as well as reviewing the existing planned transport infrastructure developments to 2014 which are likely now to be linked more closely with the Games.  Spending on these sectors will average almost £400 million per year until 2014. 

The Athletes Village will be the centrepiece of the Games, accommodating more than 8,000 athletes and officials.  This new build project, currently budgeted at more than £245 million, will include a cinema, retail outlets, restaurants, a gymnasium and fitness centre as well as the accommodation units.  Legacy plans are for the units to be converted to 1-4 bedroom homes which will be sold over a phased period for both public and private housing. 

Whilst the invitations to tender have not yet been published, MTW has also identified some key contractors and architectural practices which are likely to be involved in the construction and RMI activity for the Glasgow Games in 2014.  This being of particular relevance for manufacturers and sub contractors seeking to take advantage of the construction activity leading to the Games in 2014.

In terms of specification and procurement, MTW Research found that sustainability and environmental considerations are likely to be of significance for the ‘car free’ Games, with the Athletes Village making full use of its location next to the River Clyde, adoption of WRAP’s recycled material content in construction recommendations; and low or zero carbon output living being just some examples included in MTW’s report. 

Following sustained growth in turnover by many of the larger contractors in recent years, the announcement of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 should continue to drive demand for building products and construction related services in the medium to longer term, further buoying overall optimism in the construction industry.  For more information on this report, priced at £450, view the full details and download the free sample at www.marketresearchreports.co.uk.