The latest Bathroom report from AMA Research has highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and stated the value of the UK market will recover, albeit at a slow to moderate pace in the short-term.

The market report pointed out one of the benefits of the bathroom industry, throughout the COVID-19 crisis has been the diversity of distribution channels, maximising on domestic and commercial opportunities.

Bathroom manufacturers have been able to secure contracts with key developers supporting areas such as the NHS, as well as plumbing and drainage for products required for urgent repair and maintenance.

The return to work of construction and manufacturing in May 2020, as long as safe social distancing could be ensures, brought an increased demand for products.

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In turn, it has seen bathroom companies requiring more of their staff to return to work.

However AMA Research suggested while social distancing is still a dominant safety measure, the reduced capacity will result in reduced activity and productivity rates that are not likely to be back to pre-COVID levels for some time.

In fact, industry sources have cited it will be at least a year, going into late 2021, before the industry sees a return to ‘normality’, if there is one at all AMA Research stated.

Editor at AMA Research Michelle Turner praised the comradery and team spirit that has resonated throughout the bathroom industry: “As a result of COVID-19 allies and competitors alike have been working together to protect their business, their industry and their economy overall, showing the resilience and importance of some of the products within the UK bathroom market today.

“Companies can feel proud that they are truly adaptable in the face of adversity; it can be seen very clearly within this market and this is what will help protect the market and its companies going forward.”

AMA Research has anticipated the value of the UK bathroom market will recover, albeit at a slow to moderate pace in the short-term.

It reported the market value will not only be influenced by the rippled effects of COVID-19 but also by rising costs of imports, given the current and further expected weakness of Sterling as a result of Brexit proceedings from 2021.

Stronger market performance is expected towards the end of 2024, AMA Research stated.