The UK passive fire protection products market

The UK passive fire protection products market

The passive fire protection market is comprised of fire resistant doors, fittings and intumescent seals, cables, partitions and suspended ceilings, glass, structural protection and ductwork and damper systems.

This market is highly dependent on new construction activity, particularly in the key end use sectors of offices, education, healthcare and industrial, with product development and regulatory changes also key factors contributing to value growth in recent years.

Fire resistant doors, fittings and seals represents the largest sector of the market, accounting for around 60% of total market value. Product development is an important driver, and recent innovations include intumescent coatings with shortened drying times; electronic fire door closers that are linked to fire alarm systems; and more flexible fire stopping pipe collars that allow a greater range of applications compared to conventional collars.

Distribution channels and routes to market vary depending on the type of fire protection product. Some manufacturers also install their own products, and specialist installers play a significant role, as specific fire-related expertise is often required to ensure passive fire protection will perform as expected in the event of a fire.

In terms of growth, the UK market for passive fire protection products has performed well during the last 2-3 years, in line with increased construction output. Value growth of as much as 23% was achieved between 2013 and 2015, driven by higher levels of construction and RMI activity, although growth in this market has slowed since then.

UK passive fire protection products market

Forecasts indicate a more subdued performance in the short term, with lower levels of construction activity anticipated following the decision to leave the EU, and growth levels of 1-3% per annum are forecast to 2020. However, underlying prospects for the fire protection market remain positive, and the market may be boosted by a renewed focus on fire resistant cladding, doors and structural products in high-rise buildings following the recent Grenfell Tower disaster.

New office construction, a key market for fire protection products, is forecast to experience a moderate fall in the short term with delays in investment and expansion expected following the Brexit decision. This may impact on demand in a number of product sectors in the passive fire protection market including structural, suspended ceilings and partitions.

Education is also a major sector for fire protection products such as structural, ceilings, doors and cabling. Public sector investment is the key driver for this sector, and the most recent Government Spending Review forecasts that the level of investment in new school building will increase significantly over the next few years. Capital building programmes in the higher education sector might also provide impetus to the market in the short to medium term.

The ‘Passive Fire Protection Market Report – UK 2016-2020 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, and is available now at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

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