A net two per cent of conservatory fabricators (the difference between 26% who sold more and 28% who sold less) reported a drop in sales in April 2005 compared with March 2005 in the conservatory monthly index sponsored by Eurocell Profiles Ltd.

A net 12% of fabricators sold less in April 2005 compared with the same period in 2004 (see chart). Smaller firms (34%) were affected more than medium-sized companies (27%). Larger fabricators reported no change.

Forecasts: Despite a disappointing few months a balance of just over one in two fabricators expect to sell more conservatories in May 2005 compared with April 2005. Larger firms (80%) are notably more positive than small (57%) or medium-sized businesses (34%).

A net 10% of companies also forecast better sales in May 2005 compared with the same period last year. Expectations are stronger in the Midlands (30%) than the North (6%). Fabricators in the South anticipate no change.

The monthly tracker survey is sponsored by Eurocell Profiles Ltd. For survey details or further information contact Lucia Di Stazio at MRA, tel. 01453 521621, or visit www.521621.com

Source

Glass Age