Opportunities In Colour

In this third of a series of articles on the aluminium industry, Nigel Yates, Managing Director of aluminium systems supplier Beaufort Secure Design, looks at the growing demand for colour in both the commercial and domestic sectors and the profit potential this trend is opening up for all areas of the industry.

Although it’s nearly a century since Henry Ford famously offered the Model T “in any colour so long as it’s black”, some might say the window industry is still presenting its customers with similarly limited options of white or white. In a world of increasing consumer choice, such a restricted range would seem unlikely to excite today’s more discerning homeowners.

Indeed, many consumers probably don’t even realise other colours are easily available. More choice could persuade them it’s worth replacing their replacement windows or investing in a new conservatory to enhance and add value to their home. Fabricators and installers that can offer coloured products are ideally placed to maximise this burgeoning market opportunity and stand to gain an immediate advantage over companies with less choice.

A comprehensive range of long lasting colour options has always tended to give aluminium the edge when it comes to colour. In the commercial sector coloured aluminium systems are widely specified to complement a corporate identity, for example. Beaufort stocks a full range of profiles in mill finish and is able to offer very short lead times on coloured material to fabricators – typically just 7 - 10 working days. Indeed, we can offer over 500 special finishes - subject to quantity and delivery – which are all applied in accordance with BS 6496 for greater durability.

At Beaufort we’ve seen a significant rise in orders for coloured profile across all markets and product lines – from patio doors to bespoke conservatories. And the colour specification for a project can be very precise. For example, grey seems to be very much in vogue with architects at the moment and we’ve matched numerous different shades from our extensive range for various contracts, including stone, pebble, cement and platinum.

In addition to the home improvement sector, an increasing number of house builders are finding that coloured aluminium doors and windows can help achieve that all-important kerb appeal, as can be seen at Enclave, a striking new development by Furlong Homes in Hertfordshire. The specification of a powder blue finish for the project’s aluminium tilt before turn windows presented no problem for Beaufort.

Another Beaufort project involved example 80 patio door sets as part of an exacting new build specification for a prestigious inner city project in Birmingham by Cala Homes. Whilst the majority were finished in a classic matt white, an attractive blue/grey coating was chosen for the luxury penthouse to set it apart from the main apartments.

However, our sales figures show that demand for colour is by no means restricted to the commercial sector. In the domestic market, softer, organic colours to harmonise with the natural surroundings are generally preferred. We’re finding the NCS colour range, which is part of Akzo Nobel’s Collection 225, is particularly popular, especially for conservatories. NCS stands for Natural Colour System and was developed for the European architectural market. It includes subtle tints and natural hues, which are easy on the eye and the finish will remain virtually maintenance free for years.

Although price is often considered to be paramount to making a sale, the difference between a standard white finish, say, and a bespoke coloured product is not that much more. For just a little extra customers can have exactly what they want to reflect the character of their home and lifestyle, from a bold statement to a more subtle option that harmonises with the age and location of their property.

As many of Beaufort’s customers have already discovered, colour can set your business apart, broaden your market share and, as a premium product, can also boost those hard-hit margins. The opportunities are out there and ready to be developed for the benefit of our industry and end users.

Author Notes:

Nigel Yates contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com.  Everything you need for replacement windows; sizing, purchasing, installing and maintaining.