In some refreshing research by Schneider Electric, contractors within the electric industry are optimistic for the coming months, despite the economic downturn.
The research with Schneider Electric Ultimate Installers highlighted that while three quarters believed the recession has had an impact on their business, almost two thirds (62%) are optimistic for 2013.
Tim Barber, customer marketing manager at Schneider Electric said: “As energy prices continue to rise, homeowners are looking for new and innovative ways to reduce their energy bills and are looking to electrical contractors to help provide solutions to make their homes more energy efficient.
“Thanks to government incentives around renewable energy technologies as well as the recently launched Green Deal, homeowners are more aware than ever before of the need to become energy efficient.”
In fact electrical contractors highlighted that just under half of all customers (43%) requested energy saving devices in the specification stage while a third were looking for more efficient lighting solutions.
Research wasn’t all positive however as contractors identified late payments from customers as having the biggest effect on their business in 2012. A further quarter also highlighted pricing as being more competitive and margins thinner than ever before.
Tim said: “As a quick feeler on sentiment within the industry, the survey provides some interesting reading and it’s great to see that industry is optimistic for the coming year.”
It is also interesting to note that contractors on average still won over half of their business via word of mouth while a quarter came through internet enquiries; demonstrating the increasing importance of internet promotion.
Looking to the future it would seem that ever increasing energy prices will continue to drive homeowners to look for ways of making their homes more energy efficient, providing opportunities for contractors to add value with energy efficient solutions.
