Are we turning a corner?

摘要

The UTImclndex has hit its highest level for three years and stands at 4.9. This purely arbitrary number, albeit based on machinery company intentions for the next 12 months, has recorded its second year of increased optimism. And the rate of optimism is accelerating. The optimism does not come from the flexible sector, where respondents tell us that sales in the automotive and furniture and bedding sectors are lower than in previous years. Furniture has seen its fourth consecutive year of decline (according to the graph on page 32). The same graph shows us where the action is. It's all in refrigerated appliances and building and construction. The appliance sector is being driven by the cold chain and building and construction is being driven by tougher insulation requirements in new-build construction.