As we approach the end of the year, I have asked my sponsors to give my their thoughts on what has been an exciting year in our industry. Also, for their views on what 2013 might bring and what we ought to be looking out for. This first one is from MD of John Fredericks, Steve Darkins:
1. How has John Fredericks found 2012 to be?
We always knew 2012 would be a tough year, but our new products launched at the recent seminars has seen a better than expected end to 2012.
2. What has been your most popular NEW product of 2012?
For consistency I would say our Increased range of foils and our new foil Chartwell Green has been our biggest growth, but the New Suffolk Door range will kick start the New Year!!
3. What is in store for John Fredericks in 2013?
Mmmm working on several things at the moment…..hopefully from the 1st Feb, but not yet signed on the dotted line. ;-)
4. How do you think the industry is going to perform in 2013?
Still tough!! My own personal view is that there will be less fabricators at the end of the year than at the beginning!!!….. The demand will be less in the replacement market but this will be balanced out by the New-build sector. Casualties in our industry will not be confined to small fabricators…
5. What new product from yourselves should we be looking out for next year?
The new Suffolk Door range!
6. What are the biggest risks to our industry next year?
Price increases!!! CE marking.
7. Finally, how will you be spending your time off this Christmas?
To relax I like to spend my time in the kitchen cooking fine food and drinking fine wine for family and friends. So pop round!!
Brief but to the point! Some interesting answers in there as well. As far as the Suffolk doors are concerned, we have found them to be a great hit in the last few months of this year. Customers have loved the new range of designs and colour options and have been snapping them up!
Also, it will be interesting to see what new innovations come out from February next year. As a manufacturer, it is important to keep diversifying to make sure your customers keep up to date with how the industry is evolving. I’m sure the new announcements from February onwards will make sure of that.
The comment about casualties not being reserved for small fabricators got my cogs ticking. Wonder if he knows something I don’t ;-)
As for the invite to pop round to his house for wine and food, I’m not sure if that’s an invite to all you lot, I think it’s just me!
Whatever you need from your manufacturer, John Fredericks is there to help. If you’re in the market for a new fabricator or have been impressed with John Fredericks and their wider range of high quality PVCu products, call 01422 314100, email sales @johnfredericksplastics.com or catch them on Twitter:@jfplastics or @NewbuildsNo1
I’d have thought he would have mentioned the introduction of Eurocell as a big positive somewhere in there… I’ll tell you what if you’re buying Eurocell windows from Freddies and you want a roof to match I’ll do a special “Freddies” deal….
Me too…… but then again i am a little biased! c’mon Steve I think 2013 could potentially be a very good year with more interesting product developments? and more value adding products seeing increased margins rather than high volume turnaround of ‘standard goods’. Personally, I think everyone may as well ignore Green Deal unless you are involved in EWI or are close to someone who is. CE Marking won’t be as big a pain as everyone thinks Building regulations are most likely not going to change, neither will consequential improvements be introduced, at least not in a way that will… Read more »
The introduction of Eurocell into JFP is very worthy of a mention!! Eurocell’s flexibility has given us the ability to deliver large foiled projects at a competitive price to some new customers……..and the Chartwell Green on White, well need I say more……..watch this space for 2013…..more innovation on its way!
2013 will be a very challenging year indeed! There are a number of challenges to consider: 1. Green Deal 2. CE Regulations 3. Building Regulations 4. Consequential Improvements. 1. It seems the only way the Green Deal is going to get off the ground is for this country to break EU law regarding VAT (no reduction for the energy efficient windows!). As it stands at the moment, the Green deal will only be of benefit to large organisations, and may put many small enterprises out of business. As mentioned before, these smaller businesess are the backbone of the economy, and… Read more »
Further to my post, I am delighted to hear that we need not, at least for the time being, be concerned about Consequential Improvements! This requirement will not now be included in the new Building Regulations.
One less challenge for the year ahead!
Best wishes to everyone for Christmas and 2013.