Designer models outperforming radiator market at 5% growth

Radiator manufacturer Stelrad reported designer models were leading the way in sales, at its 2016 Business Update event at the Churchill War Rooms, London.

Business development director for Stelrad John Colling spoke of the challenging state of the UK radiator market against a backdrop of economic uncertainty following Brexit.

He pointed out social housing spend has fallen significantly over the last two years and the commercial radiator market is in decline as alternative technologies gain ground.

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Despite an improving trend, John Colling also stated the residential new build sector remains at historically low levels.

It means in 2016, Stelrad forecasts a 2% reduction in volume sales to 7.19million units, with a slow recovery up to estimated 7.38million units in 2019.

However, Colling highlighted designer radiator growth is outperforming the radiator market at around 5%.

The company defined designer radiators as a premium towel warmer, decorative steel tubular, multicolumn or premium panel models.

According to the company, Stelrad has achieved one of its key business objectives and regained number one position in the one-off sector.

It further stated its Softline radiator is now City Plumbing Supplies’ preferred product and its Vita Compact product has replaced an own-brand offer as Grahams’ sole one-off radiator.

Stelrad continued stating extensions to its Softline Deco, Softline Plan and Softline Vertical ranges, as well as a range of vertical Vita models, will build on the company’s success.