The brassware and taps market in the UK, which is worth in excess of £200million, is estimated to have grown by 4% in 2017, regardless of ongoing pricing pressures impacted by weak exchange rates and incerasing competition.

Following a period of slow growth, the market improved between 2014-2016, driven by more favourable conditions in the new housebuilding sector and demand from the private commercial sector. These are the latest findings in a report by AMA Research.

According to the report, basin brassware represents the largest sector of the market, with around 40% share; closely followed by kitchen taps with a similar share, whilst the remaining 20% was accounted for by bath brassware.

Builders and plumbers’ merchants continue to be the main distribution channel for brassware and taps, whilst the home improvement multiples also hold a substantial share. Other retail channels include kitchen and bathroom specialists, grocery and furniture multiples, direct supply and department stores. However, online retailers are becoming more important, as consumers increasingly use the internet to source the best deals.

Looking at trends and demand in the category, AMA says that, along with durability, key factors such as quality and design will remain important in the UK brassware and taps market. Aesthetics will continue to exert a notable influence on consumer choice, particularly with respect to total kitchen or bathroom co-ordination, but the issue of design has also gained importance in commercial applications, such as hospitals and schools, with a shift away from the traditional institutionalised appearance towards more domestic orientated styling.

With an ageing UK population, there will continue to be a significant demand for inclusive brassware and taps that combine style with ease of use. For example, lever-controlled products, thermostatic mechanisms, and those designed with digital/electronic controls. Water saving will also continue to be an important consideration and growth is likely in product areas that include aerated spray taps, low water content taps, and brassware with an in-built eco button.

Going forward, AMA reports that there are several key factors affecting the market prospects for the brassware and taps market in the UK. Housebuilding volumes have achieved good growth in recent years and this is expected to remain steady, albeit at a lower level compared with recent years, while RMI activity may be more constrained. However, refurbishment activity is expected to improve towards the end of the forecast period.

In the commercial sector, private work is typically a key driver of growth, but also relies upon business confidence, which is again expected to be stronger towards the end of the forecast period following the EU withdrawal. However, public sector spending cuts will continue to be an issue.

Exchange rates and the cost of imported goods have direct implications for brassware and taps produced or sourced from abroad. The current weakness of sterling makes imports into the UK more expensive, along with increasing transportation costs.

“Moderate to steady growth of 3-4% per annum is currently forecast from 2020 to 2022,” said AMA Research market research manager Hayley Thornley. “The brassware and taps market will continue to fragment and the number of own-label products, is likely to increase. Pricing pressures are likely to remain intense due to the high level of imported product, weak value of sterling and the growing number of competitive distribution channels such as the internet.”

The ‘Bathroom & Kitchen Brassware and Taps Market Report - UK 2018-2022’ report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk.