We have a conservatory-heavy edition for you this month, and confirmation that the market is picking up again (see page 34) will come as good news to many.

For years conservatories helped to cover up a faltering replacement window market, and now they are also driving the high-spec glass market.

Much of the window replacement for social housing is still to be done, but the home improvement market has lacked a big sales driver since VAT was slapped on it in 1984.

Germany is now offering tax relief on home improvements up to a spend of 3,000 Euros. It sounds a long way off, but this industry needs a break and we've got under three years to work it into those election manifestos.

Source

Glass Age