Reports

1. INTRODUCTION

AMA have been commissioned by several Embassies to produce market overviews of particular sectors to be made available for companies in their respective countries.

Sectors reviewed to date include:

• Sustainable Energy

• Timber Products – doors, windows, wood panels, timber frame housing

• Wood Flooring

2. OBJECTIVES

The overall objectives of the projects have been very similar with each report reviewing the following key issues: 

• Review of UK economic environment - UK economy, impact of recession, construction market, housebuilding market, openness to international suppliers etc.

• Overview of UK market - market size (by value and volume as appropriate), recent trends, key factors influencing market performance, 3-5 year market forecasts.

• Product segmentation – review of key product sectors, key application areas (housebuilding / non-residential, replacement / new build etc) - market size, recent trends, market characteristics, standards / legislation, key growth / declining sectors, reasons for change etc.

• Supply Structure – review of key suppliers in UK, leading players, market shares, market positioning, reasons for strengths and weaknesses, role of imports.

• Review of key distribution channels – major routes to markets, role of Builders Merchants, Wholesalers, Distributors, Direct Supply, opportunities / barriers to market development.

• Other issues – potential for market entry for international companies, key routes to market, key barriers to entry, possible links with leading merchants / distributors, key specifiers, lists of exhibitions, trade associations etc.

3. METHODOLOGY

Research for Embassy market reports are largely based on the following sources: 

• AMA reports – AMA publish over 130 reports on a wide range of building, home improvement, environmental / sustainability markets.

• Other published data source.

• Primary research – a limited amount of telephone research may be required depending on project scope and budget available.

AMA reports provide the core of the data and are used as the basis for Embassy reports. AMA’s range of over 130 reports provide a comprehensive overview of these markets in terms of market trends, product segmentation, supply and distribution structures. Reports are generally updated on a 2-year cycle and therefore provide a current overview of market developments.

Additional input is provided by other published data sources such as UK Government data, Trade Associations and other relevant organizations.

Some primary research may also be required to provide additional relevant data for a specific market or to update existing information contained in AMA reports. Timescales and budgets are likely to mean limited primary research is undertaken, but this will vary between projects.

4. LOGISTICS

The timescales for a project of this nature can be relatively short and typically can be undertaken within a 4-5 week period from date of commencement.

The total cost of a typical Embassy report is around £3500-5000, with costs depending on scope of projects and level of primary research required. At this cost, the Embassy will typically receive a 60-80 page market report that can be translated if required and distributed to interested parties in their respective countries.