Press Release w/c Nov 2010

Press Release

30th November 2010

GROWTH IN WALLCOVERINGS SALES CONTINUES TO RISE

New statistics published by the British Coatings Federation (BCF) reveal another sharp increase in the UK market for Wallcoverings, with Q3 2010 figures showing a 12% rise in total sales compared to the same period last year. The independent sector performed particularly well, recording a 16% growth over Q3 2009.

The results echo findings published earlier in the year, which demonstrate a dramatic increase in sales during the first six months of 2010. Coloured wallpaper sales are up 15% while UK export sales have grown by a staggering 26%.

The figures point towards a reversal of the downward trend seen in 2008 and 2009, which at the lowest point saw sales reduced by 20% compared to the year before. Despite the UK’s continued economic uncertainty, the recovery in the wallcoverings market appears to be gaining speed – particularly when compared to other industry sectors.

John Dixon of Whittle Industry Data, who independently compiled the data on behalf of the industry, said: “The results are in stark contrast to government statistics for other sectors such as furniture, lighting and floorcoverings, where the comatose state of the housing market is taking a heavy toll.”

The BCF, which is the sole trade association for the decorative, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings manufacturing industry in the UK, reported an increase in both volume and value sales at its annual conference.

"The wallcoverings market is growing because the trend in home interior design has moved right away from the minimalism of the late 1990s," commented Barry Forester, Chairman of the BCF's Wallcovering Sector Council and Managing Director at Anstey Wallpaper. "Pattern, design and colour are very much back in vogue and wallcoverings offer an easy and cost-effective way to transform the look and feel of the home."

Peter Whitehead, R&D Manager at Graham & Brown went on to comment: "There is no doubt that the trend for heavy patterns and bold florals, that first appeared three years ago, spawned a trend for feature walls with 20% of wallpaper users decorating one wall. What is interesting now, is that 61% of people are now using wallcoverings on all four walls, which is an encouraging trend for the industry."

Anthony Garnett, Managing Director at Fine Decor concludes: "Product innovation in inks, base materials and processes allow us to achieve wallcoverings with texture, metallic aesthetics and other special effects. This has lead to increased design freedom and versatility and therefore perceptions have changed. Wallcoverings are now viewed as adding a touch of luxury in the home."

Tony Mash, CEO of the British Coatings Federation commented: "The combination of outstanding marketing and attractive wallcovering products offered alongside matching paints has provided consumers with a compelling value option, which has triggered the renaissance of the industry."

For further information about the latest trends for the coatings industry visit: www.coatings.org or call the BCF on Tel: 01372 700 848.

-ENDS-

For further press information please contact Emma Marsh at CIB Communications on Tel: 01372 371 800 or Fax: 01372 37 801.

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