The
UK commercial washrooms market increased by 3% in 2014 compared to 2013,
reflecting the improving market conditions post-recession within the
non-domestic construction industry. The UK market is now showing some signs of
recovery, following a static period over the past 5 years. The upward trend is
driven by stronger RMI activity in non-residential sectors, allied to more
positive new work activity.
Washroom panel systems continue to account for the
largest sector of the market, followed by sanitaryware, brassware,
showers/mixers and baths. It is estimated that around two thirds of commercial
washroom products are distributed via trade channels such as builders /
plumbers’ merchants and distributors. The remainder represents mainly direct
sales from supplier to end-user and includes online.
The recession saw the emergence of more cost effective
solutions within the commercial washroom environment, to cater for a range of
budgets. At the same time, it is apparent that the trend towards higher value
products with contemporary design has continued at the more premium end of the
marketplace, driven by the private sector, such as upmarket hotels and leisure
schemes. Applications include brass fittings and personalised logos to provide
a customised feel. Manufacturers also appear increasingly focused upon
specification-led work, providing total solutions for each application, such as
education, healthcare and offices.
There has also been an emphasis upon increased
functionality within the commercial washrooms market, including greater use of intelligent
technology to control water flow and temperature, as well as baths and showers
with sensory options to provide a personalised experience. There is greater
incorporation of energy efficient and water saving solutions across the
commercial washrooms market, driven by legislation and the introduction of the Water Label.
“The high level of
price competition, which is currently a feature of this market, is expected to
continue, potentially curbing overall value growth within the marketplace. However,
manufacturers will seek to offset this by focussing upon added value design,
quality and performance” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “The baths sector is likely to continue to
face competition from showers, which are becoming more popular, and the more
muted performance of the health sector and the potential trend towards smaller
premises with more local delivery will exacerbate this trend.”
The overall commercial washrooms market is likely to show
year on year growth over the next 4 years, as key application areas for
commercial washrooms, such as entertainment & leisure and offices, benefit
from private investment in RMI activity and the construction market as a whole
sees gradual improvement. The entertainment and leisure sector has been
relatively resilient to the recession and growth in the budget hotels sector
has helped to counter balance the decline in food service and the larger scale
sports facilities that were associated with the Olympics. However, continuing
economic uncertainty due to high levels of debt within the Eurozone and planned
budget cuts within the public sector, especially in health and education, may
all restrict rates of growth.
The market is forecast to have increased by around 11% in
2019, to reach a value of around £340m at manufacturers’ selling prices.
The ‘Commercial
Washrooms Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA
Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within
the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and
can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242
235724.
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