Bathroom and Kitchen Pods Market UK 2008-2012

Abstract

On the 22nd September 2008, AMA Research will publish the 2nd Edition of the report ' Bathroom and Kitchen Pods Market UK 2008-2012' . Offering excellent value for money, this report represents a current and informed review of this market, incorporating original input and primary research.

The UK prefabricated pods market has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting high levels of government expenditure in non-domestic residential sectors such as educational and MoD. Pods were initially introduced because they evaded skill shortages and offered greater efficiency in the construction process. More recently, their usage has been motivated by the greater drive to Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and the benefits associated with this.

Written by marketing professionals, this report provides a comprehensive and detailed coverage of this dynamic and fast changing market. It offers an appreciation of the way in which the pods' market has evolved so that future prospects can be assessed more clearly.

Recent trends include:

There is a shift in the way construction and building is undertaken in the UK, with a move towards greater levels of off-site construction. More developers are realising the potential of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) in particular prefabricated bathroom and kitchen pods.

There is a growing trend away from low cost pods towards more value added offerings in terms of materials, finish and fixtures used. The hotel and up-market residential sectors in particular are looking for higher quality products and designs.

The pod market is characterised by the emergence and development of a number of new and existing entrants. The market' s growing level of maturity continues to offer new entrants significant market opportunities. The sustained levels of public and private sector investment have provided existing pod manufacturers with the confidence to invest in additional manufacturing capacity.

Demand for pods in most non domestic end user sectors will continue to be buoyant in the medium term. This growth is supported by the government' s continued drive to improve public sector services and conditions, in particular in education and defence.

In the longer term, the major potential for growth lies in the domestic residential sector, in particular social and affordable housing. The current downturn in the housing market may encourage this evolution as building costs start to come under stricter control.

Key areas of coverage in the report include:

BATHROOM AND KITCHEN PODS MARKET

• Overview of pods market by value 2002-2007 with forecasts to 2012, key market drivers e.g. methods of construction, government policy.
• Key market influences - social and demographic trends, population growth, government policies etc.

SUPPLIERS REVIEW

• Structure of supply - large specialist manufacturers, manufacturers that are part of a larger group of companies, distributors/agents, niche players.
• Market size and shares for pods suppliers.
• Review of leading pods manufacturers and suppliers.
• Key trends - market consolidation & analysis of changes in market situation.

POD PRODUCTS

• Analysis of the applications of pods - bathroom and kitchen.
• Detailed analysis of the materials from which pods may be made and their different characteristics, e.g. concrete, steel framed and GRP.
• Examination of major technical issues - such as weight, use in multi-storey applications and seamless (floorless) finish.
• Analysis of typical procurement process and specification drivers for pods and the bathroom and kitchen products used. Who are the key influencers?

KEY END USER SECTORS

• Consideration of the key end user sectors - hotel and leisure, student accommodation, military accommodation, prisons, healthcare and the domestic residential sector. Their major projects, where relevant.
• Analysis on how pods meet the requirements of the different end users - ease of maintenance, speed of construction and refurbishment, etc.
• Constraints on the use of pods in some segments of the residential sector.

EXTERNAL INFLUENCES

• Social and demographic changes - increased demand for dwellings.
• UK government policy - investment in infrastructure, in education, the military, social housing, etc.
• Initiatives to encourage more modern modular construction.
• PPP/PFI and the impact on construction programmes.
• The downturn in the housing market and the impact on housing development programmes.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Forecast growth in pods; usage up until 2012, with an indication as to which market sectors will provide the greatest growth.
• Factors likely to influence the adoption of pods - e.g. end of the housing boom, increase in social and affordable housing, the 2012 Olympics and the regeneration projects.
• Government initiatives to encourage greater use of modern modular construction.