Director of Lima Kitchens Elizabeth Pantling-Jones takes a measured look at the market, and believes there will be an upturn in Spring

After a challenging year, it has been refreshing to hear the diverse perspectives on what 2025 may hold for our industry.

I, like many others, am optimistic and excited about 2025.

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With the uncertainty and turbulence of 2024 behind us, I believe that once we settle into the new year, we will once again achieve greater consistency.

Understanding market impacts

My optimism is not rooted in blind hope but in a measured understanding of the impacts of recent UK and US elections, and the subsequent uncertainties surrounding budget announcements and governmental changes have on consumer confidence.

The past three years saw a remarkable surge in homeowners fast-tracking home improvements—a trend that was inevitably bound to stabilise.

My hope is that 2024 has absorbed much of this volatility, paving the way for more promising leads and swifter business turnarounds.

Conversations with my peers reveal a collective approach of introspection and growth.

Many of us have seized this year as an opportunity to reassess our businesses, refine our strategies, and invest in knowledge and training.

Notably, numerous businesses have experienced significant personnel changes, including transitions among longstanding team members.

While these shifts have exposed potential gaps in our processes, they have simultaneously introduced fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.

Our own strategy is centred on growth. We are expanding into new areas, meticulously developing and refining our services to distinguish ourselves from the numerous competitors in our market.

Resilience and adaptability

Regarding challenges, although recent elections have concluded, I anticipate a continued undercurrent of consumer uncertainty with international political strain.

I do expect a market upturn to emerge around early March, coinciding with lengthening days, the first hints of spring, and the initiation of new construction projects.

Following a challenging year across the industry, many retailers will be focused on recovering both volume and turnover.

This pursuit may perpetuate the price undercutting we have observed among competitors, underscoring the importance of the strategic processes and improvements we have implemented.

Despite the challenges, the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by our industry this past year fill me with genuine optimism.

We have proven our ability to navigate uncertainty, innovate in the face of adversity, and emerge stronger.

The ongoing investments in training, process improvement, and strategic thinking position us not just to survive, but to thrive.

Our collective commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is our greatest asset, promising a vibrant and dynamic future for our industry.