The Brits are Coming (Back): UK Office Market on Track for Record Numbers

by John Sacks | August 3rd, 2015

There’s a new sense of confidence in the British office furniture industry. The dramatic aftereffects of the 2008 financial crisis when the market fell from $1.26bn in 2007 to $924m in 2011 seem like ancient history, as recent reports indicate that demand is right back on track and 2015 industry sales should reach $1.49bn. Clearly, inflation distorts these historical figures, but over this period, commercial pressures kept the lid on price rises, and the overall performance is impressive. And the industry is nicely profitable. All UK companies must file their financial statements, so we know that the combined profit of the 10 largest companies is $50m. One company, Elite Office Furniture, made a return on turnover last year of over 30%! Although there are always macro-economic threats around to worry a nervous CFO, it’s probably a fair bet that the industry will continue to prosper for a good while yet. …