Insight Data reveals ‘significant divide’ between fabricators and installers

Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott

Having recently compared the financial performance of fabricators and installers as part of a new industry report, Insight Data has identified a ‘significant divide’ between supply-only fabricators, fabricators that install, and installers who don’t manufacture.

After researching more than 15,000 window, door and conservatory businesses, comprising limited companies and LLPs, Insight analysed the financial results. As small and medium companies don’t need to publish turnover or full accounts, Insight measured ‘net worth’ taken from their latest published accounts and calculated industry average benchmarks.

Insight reports that fabricators who ‘supply only’ performed the best over the last three years, with an average net worth up some 80% from £280,220 to £505,047. Fabricators who install improved from £219,093 to £265,228 – a rise of 21%, while installers who buy-in were found to have strengthened their financial position by 9%, from £49,651 to £54,280, although Insight describes many companies in this category as ‘lifestyle businesses’.

It must be noted, says Insight, that companies post their published accounts in arrears and the vast majority of accounts relate to a 2016 financial year end.

Andrew Scott, managing director of Insight Data, said: “The industry has enjoyed several years of steady growth and financial success, but an uncertain market over the last 12 months has created mixed results, with some companies reporting a slow down while others, especially premium or niche product manufacturers, have maintained growth. 2017 financial results may paint a different picture.”

The full Insight Report provides in-depth analysis of the industry, including business activity, market sectors and product information. It is available for free for a limited period, visit www.insightdata.co.uk/reports

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