Market Trends

Spotting the next big trend is becoming all the more important in a market that is increasingly competitive. We are now working in an industry where every sale has to be worked for and nothing is to be taken for granted.

Trend spotting

Anticipating the next trend is without a doubt the most difficult aspect of remaining successful. It is no good just aiming widely, developing a product, and then pushing it onto a market that doesn’t want it. No matter how hard you tell your customers that this is the next best thing, if there is no perceived need for it you stand no chance of getting it to market.

You might argue that Apple didn’t wait to see what people wanted, they created that need, and keep on coming up with innovations that people will queue for overnight, in the street, so that they can be the first to get their hands on it.

Unfortunately the conservatory market does not quite work like that, as much as we wish it to...

So, if we are not going to create the new trend, how can we ensure that we keep up with the emerging ones? At K2 we believe the key is in listening to what our customers are saying and work with them to ensure that we develop the right products. Oncoming trends can be spotted from increased enquiries for particular products or solutions; and of course we keep up with the latest tools such as online searches analysis to find out what consumers are actually looking for.

Current trends

So what is the next big thing? As we know, after 10 years of selling large volumes of white PVC conservatories the market is shifting towards better specified products.

Added value

The homeowner’s market is now entering the replacement stage for a conservatory acquired through a house purchase or that has passed its “use by” date… and they are looking for better value-added propositions, which will both enhance their property and be longer lasting.

Glazing

Selecting glass for roofs has already taken off, with polycarbonate representing only 50 to 60% of glazing down from 90 to 80% 2 years ago.

Long lasting

They are looking for stronger conservatories, with a better year-round usability, a wider range of uses (from additional living / entertainment room to kitchen), and better integrated within their surroundings.

Colour

The solution presented to them to fulfil these needs are the development of the aluminium roof systems that can be spay-painted to any RAL colour, ensuring a perfect colour match to existing windows.

Orangeries

Taking it yet further the orangery is also in high demand, offering an acceptable compromise between a full-blown extension and a conservatory, with its high roof integrated into a solid ceiling, and generally brick built walls, giving it a more “homely” feel.

The new range of K2 literature will be showcasing all these products to help you illustrate what the next generation of conservatories looks like.