Dynamic data for dynamic markets
Markets are constantly churning. Add in Trump’s turbulence, and Black Swan events, those 1-in-100-year shocks that are happening more often than predicted. No wonder consumers lack confidence.
It’s harder to grow profitably in a churning market, but quality data reveals trends that help companies follow the money and avoid risk.
This month, Glass News features ‘Aluminium Market Intelligence’ the first of four excerpts from the 2025 WindowBASE & Tommy Trinder Window & Door report, covering data and trends for the aluminium segment.
What does the data show?
“Demand for windows and doors is down,” says Mike Rigby founder of WindowBASE, “and in the last two years some big firms have failed.
“Early this year a few Aluminium Syscos also changed hands. There are lots of them, too many for a healthy retail market so, expect more M&A activity. Putting it in perspective, 35 years ago there were over 80 PVCU Syscos. Now just a handful.
“But this is not a downbeat story about companies disappearing or being sold. It’s a regeneration story of business destruction and creation. Big firms hog the headlines, but thousands of changes in small and medium sized firms make the market.
“Last year, 884 installers left the industry, but 1,156 new installers set up in business, a net growth of +2.7% in installer firms. Was that in the news?
“Three hundred and eight fabricators shut, while 286 opened their doors, a net drop of -0.6%. Dynamic, or what?
“Who’d start a business today? Larger firms that fail spawn new businesses as ex-staff start afresh.
The importance of good data
If you work offline, a list you downloaded some months ago will be significantly unreliable. Using old, incorrect data wastes time and squanders opportunities, even if you’re given a ‘free’ illegal copy. When you’re up against a competitor using up-to-date, quality data, who has a better chance of winning new customers?
On the WindowBASE website, you can download the Window & Door Market Trends 2025 Report and find out more about using the Prospect Manager tool to target companies within glazing.
Leading industry figures on the report
The report was released very recently, but it has already been praised by a number of leading figures within the glazing industry. Here is what they had to say:
“I thought last year’s report was excellent in the way that it pinpointed key market trends, which really helped to sharpen our M&A focus to address gaps in our proposition”
Darren Waters, Chief Executive Officer, Eurocell Plc
A very good, must-read report full of valuable market insight.”
Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas
It’s a great read from people who actually know our industry, and positive which is just what we need! I really like it.”
Simon Bird, Managing Director, GAP
It’s a joy to read a piece of work so crammed with informed insight and delivered in such a readable and easily absorbed style. Loved it.”
Colin St John, ex-Commercial Director, Freefoam Plastics
The 2025 window & door industry trend report from Mike and Chris is refreshingly informative for fenestration leaders. It’s an enabler for sensible and data lead decision making, and it allows industry entrepreneurs to combine gut feel with real data before taking risks. I can’t wait for next years.”
Joe Trueman, Co-owner, Premier Arches and Glyngary Joinery
As a research user, the key is having the data to make informed, confident decisions about your business. I think the report does that and is a classic example of the work carried out by MRA. I’d expect nothing else. Well done to the team.”
Jason Wilder, Director, Composite Garden Buildings
An interesting read – a clear and concise signpost for where the industry is heading over the next 12-24 months.”
Steve Cross, Director, Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd
The critical insights in the 2025 Window & Door Market Trends report make essential reading for glazing businesses looking to grow market share. 40% of firms offered wood in 2024, confirming the growing momentum and revenue potential of timber products.”
Andy Ball, Co-founder, The Joinery Network
As a timber window and door specialist it is crucial to keep an eye on the overall market, including uPVC and aluminium. This report provides extremely valuable data on which to make informed decisions.”
Duncan Wright, Managing Director, Lindenwood Home
Being able to effectively manage the unknown in today’s business world is a critical success factor, so having access to accurate market data and analysis is a must! Every insight in the latest MRA industry report is a stepping stone to a smarter strategy!”
Mike Parczuk, MD of Sternfenster
At Deceuninck we have used WindowBASE consistently for 15 years and we have done rather well with it. WindowBASE gives me access to data I trust.”
Rob McGlennon, ex-Managing Director, Deceuninck
WindowBASE are an excellent data provider. They are not just a data provider, they operate almost as a consultant. Their industry knowledge and advice to us has been very valuable and their data is accurate and well maintained. They listened to our needs carefully before proposing what we need. Service is fast, and the team are very approachable.”
Joe Trueman, Co-owner, Premier Arches and Glyngary Joinery
