Sector trends

What particular trends are affecting specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm)? This overview gives five examples of how seemingly small changes can have a major impact on a sector for years to come.

This trends summary explains that demand for accountancy services is affected by the health or otherwise of the economy - during times of recession many clients become bankrupt and survivors reduce the amount they spend on accountancy services to a minimum.

This trends summary explains how the acupuncture sector has seen a huge increase in demand for treatment.

This trends summary explains how the aerial installer sector is broadly connected to the economy and ever changing technology.

This trend summary explains how amusement arcades are regulated by government legislations.

This trend summary explains how demand for antiques depends to some extent on the health of the economy,

This trends summary explains how the architectural sector is closely linked to the health of the economy and the state of the construction industry and the housing market.

This trend summary explains that the last decade or so has seen interest in architectural salvage increase hugely.

This trends summary explains how the aromatherapist sector has grown hugely over the last few years.

This trend summary explains that art has become more important as interest has grown in interior design and decor - and in art for art's sake.

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that artists and hobbyists spend on artists' materials is affected by the state of the economy.

This trend summary explains what is happening in the bakery sector.

This trends summary explains how the beauty salon sector has grown considerably over the last decade as consumers have become more and more conscious of the way they look.

This trend summary explains that cycle ownership and use in the UK are on the increase.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the blacksmith sector.

This trends summary explains how the boarding kennel sector is changing constantly due to the economy.

This trend summary explains that the last two decades or so have been a turbulent time for the book trade.

This trends summary explains that because businesses are required by law to keep records of their financial transactions there is always a demand for the book-keeper's services. However, it is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains that the bridal wear sector has had to adapt to a number of developments over the last decade or so.

This trends summary explains that the building sector is largely affected by the state of the economy.

This trends summary explains how the building supplies sector is closely linked to the housing market and economy in general.

This trends summary explains how the burglar alarm fitter sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains the changes in the bus and coach sector in recent years.

This trend summary explains the changes in the butcher sector over recent years.

This trends summary explains how the popularity of eating out has helped the cafe sector to grow enormously in recent years.

This trends summary explains how there continues to be a high demand for car alarm fitters to sell security upgrades and tracking devices as vehicle-related theft is still a problem in the UK.

Demand for car body repairs depends to a large extent on the accident rate. Accident damage is likely to remain a big source of work for the foreseeable future with insurance work accounting for around 80% of repairers' workload.

This trends summary explains that the demand for items to customise or individualise cars remains strong whereas DIY servicing has declined.

Despite the large number of vehicles on the road, the car repair sector as a whole has not had an easy time. Demand for repairs continues to fall with the improved reliability of new cars and many motorists choose to skip scheduled services and ignore minor damage to their vehicles in order to save money.

This trends summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on their cars is linked to the state of the economy.

This trend summary explains how caravanning and camping are very popular activities.

This trends summary explains how the care home sector continues to rise.

The carpet industry tends to benefit when the economy is strong and the housing market is buoyant.

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on carpets and floor coverings is affected by the state of the economy and the housing market.

This trend summary explains that there has been a revival of traditional cheese making to meet demand.

This trends summary explains how the demand for childcare services has grown steadily over the last few years.

This trends summary explains how modern chimney sweeps now offer a wide range of chimney services as the trend changes from traditional coal fires to oil, gas ad solid fuel appliances.

This trend summary explains how the trend of eating out has benefited Chinese restaurants, while also resulting in a huge increase in competition.

This trends summary explains how the Chinese herbalist sector has risen in recent years.

This trends summary explains that in the chiropodist sector in recent years there has been an increase in both NHS and private provision.

This trends summary explains how the chiropractor sector is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicines.

This trends summary explains how classic car values (especially sports cars) dictate whether it is financially worthwhile to rebuild badly deteriorated vehicles, but in general there is steady demand for restoration and repair services.

This trends summary explains how the clothes hire sector is continuing to grow whilst changing with the times.

This trend summary explains that the clothing sector evolves as consumer interest in branded fashion labels increases.

This trend summary explains that recent years have seen a significant contraction in the UK clothing and knitwear manufacturing industry.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the coach trade.

This trend summary explains the huge changes that have occurred in the computer industry since the development of the personal computer.

This trends summary explains how construction based businesses are broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains that demand for contract cleaning services has grown steadily. But competition is intense as there are so many small businesses, often operating from home. This has kept rates low.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the convenience store sector.

This trends summary explains how the courier delivery service sector has changed. Internet shopping has turned it into a huge sector.

This trend summary explains that cycling events can succeed as long as they are well run and offer the participants the level of service that they would expect from their entry fee.

This trends summary explains how the damp proofer sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how the demand for day nursery care providers in the UK has been steadily increasing over the last few years.

This trend summary explains that over the last twenty years or so the popularity of delicatessen, specialty and fine foods has grown enormously,

This trends summary explains how the dental lab sector has been competitive for such a long time, margins are slim, wages low and there has been little investment in training.

This trends summary explains how the dental sector has seen an increasing number of dentists moving away from the NHS and offering private treatment to patients.

This trend summary explains that consumer spending on materials for DIY projects has been falling for many years according to government figures.

This trends summary explains how the dress maker sector is broadly connected to the state of the economy.

This trends summary explains how the driveways and patios sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains that demand for driving instruction is very closely linked to trends in the number of teenagers and young adults.

This trends summary explains how the dry cleaner sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains the changes seen in the e-business sector over recent years and probable trends going forward.

This trend summary explains that buying and selling on eBay is part of the wider e-commerce sector which has seen strong growth in recent years.

This trend summary explains that the number of independent electrical retailers has been falling for some years now.

This trends summary explains how the demand for domestic electrical services is closely linked to the housing market and the strength of the economy as a whole.

This trend summary explains that this sector tends to be one of the first to feel the effects of fluctuations in the economy.

This trends summary explains how the estate agent sector continues to grow with the internet providing a powerful marketing tool rather than a threat.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations of the event hire sector.

This trend summary explains the developments that in general terms the manufacturing sector has seen in recent years.

This trends summary explains that shopping in farm shops has become increasingly popular with UK consumers, with the number of farm shops growing in recent years.

This trends summary explains that the performance of the farm supply sector is closely linked to the fortunes of the farming sector as a whole, which itself is dominated by commodity prices

This trends summary explains that the farrier market stays broadly in line with the economy as a whole

This trends summary explains how the fencing contractor sector is broadly connected to the state of the economy.

This trend summary explains that while other fast food sectors have prospered in recent years, fish and chips have been left behind.

This trend summary explains that participation numbers may have increased in recent times as people look for cheaper leisure activities.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the fishmonger sector over recent years.

This trends summary explains that while the fitness sector has experienced steady demand, the chains have benefitted more than the independents.

This trend summary explains that in recent years there have been many changes to the structure of the flower growing industry.

This trends summary explains how the changes in the lifestyles and eating habits of consumers have affected the food manufacturing sector.

This trends summary explains how the funeral director sector is directly affected by the number of deaths each year and these have been falling over many years.

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on furniture and furnishings is affected by the state of the economy and the housing market.

This trends summary explains how the demand for antique furniture restoration reflects the antiques market, the economy, and fashion.

This trend summary explains that during the past 20 years or so the number of independent furniture retailers in the UK has fallen steadily.

This trends summary explains that there have been many casualties in the petrol retailing sector as a result of intense competition and very low margins on fuel sales.

This trend summary explains that there has been a steady long term increase in demand for garden products, for a number of reasons.

This trends summary explains that the garden services sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains that the financial performance of driving ranges is closely linked to the popularity of golf.

This trends summary explains that graphic designers must have up to date skills, as the sector becomes more competitive.

This trends summary explains the difficulties that hairdresser face within this competitive sector

This trends summary explains how the haulier sector is broadly connected to the economy, but the shift to more home deliveries has seen the sector grow in recent years

This summary explains how health shops have grown considerably over the last decade as consumers have become more and more conscious of their wellbeing.

Recent years have seen a huge increase in and use of complementary and alternative medicine. This summary explains why the homeopath sector is growing and the treatment is now becoming mainstream.

This summary explains what is happening in the UK hotel and accommodation sector and where opportunities might be for those looking to open a hotel.

This trends summary explains that the market for ice cream has expanded greatly as different types of ice creams have been introduced.

The number of financial advice firms is declining, and while the vast majority of players are still small outfits the number of larger players with over 50 advisors is on the up.This trend looks set to continue in the future.

This trend summary explains that the interior design sector in the UK is very much fashion led and is susceptible to changes in the economic climate.

This trend summary explains that internet cafés must offer fast internet connection and a range of other services to attract custom.

The latest construction industry statistics show a booming and sustainable sector. Yet, rising construction costs and labor challenges in addition to new regulations are reducing the margin for error and waste.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the language school sector.

This trends summary explains how life coaching has grown rapidly as people have become aware of the potential for improving their lives.

This trend summary explains how the limousine hire industry has grown rapidly in recent years with a rise in the number of limousines seen on UK roads.

This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on clothes - including lingerie - is affected by the state of the economy.

This trends summary explains that the market for livery stables stays broadly in line with the economy

This trend summary explains that the locksmith sector mainly by the general level of crime and the state of the economy.

This trends summary explains how the male grooming sector has seen a huge growth in recent years.

This trends summary explains how the management consultancy sector has become increasingly important but is affected by the state of the economy.

This trend summary explains that in common with all independent retailers, market traders have suffered in recent years from increasing competition.

This trends summary explains how expenditure on decorative items for the house or garden reflects the state of the property market.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in the milk retailing sector.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in the minicab and private hire sector in recent years.

This trend summary explains that the mobile DJ sector tends to be one of the first to feel the effects of fluctuations in the economy.

This trend summary explains that mobile phone stores must stay on top of the constant change and evolution of mobile technology if they want to be successful.

This trend summary explains recent developments in the mobile takeaway industry.

This trends summary explains the changes in the motor industry, changes that are broadly linked to the economy.

This trends summary explains that the motorcycle dealer sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains why the motorcycle rider training sector is steadily growing.

This trend summary explains the factors affecting the music shop sector.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the needlecrafts sector in recent years.

This trend summary explains how traditional newsagents have had to face intense competition in recent years because supermarkets and many other outlets have diversified and now sell the newsagent's core products.

This trend summary explains the changes in the night club sector as a result of increased competition and regulations.

This trends summary explains how the nutritional therapist sector has seen a significant increase in recent years.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in the off-licence sector in recent years.

This trends summary explains how the office based business is sector connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains that in a competitive market such as this, an independent supplier needs to be able to differentiate itself from competitors.

This trends summary explains how the optician sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how the demand for organic produce is forecast to grow, but it is also greatly affected by the economy.

This trends summary explains why the osteopath sector is growing. The treatment is now mainstream rather 'complementary'.

This trend summary explains significant updates in the outdoor activities sector.

This trend summary explains that the outdoor equipment shop sector remains relatively strong despite a challenging economic climate.

This trends summary explains why the catering industry changes rapidly in line with the economy.

This trend summary explains the developments in the paintball centre sector.

This trends summary explains how the painting and decorating sector reflects changes in the economy.

This trends summary explains how the pawnbroker sector has expanded steadily in the UK.

This trends summary explains how the personal trainer sector is growing and changing, while also reflecting the economy.

This trends summary explains how the pest control sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how the pet grooming sector has become a multi-billion pound business, while still refecting the economy.

This trend summary explains that despite the fall in number of pets, the amount spent on pets increases.

This trends summary explains how the pharmacy sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the photo equipment sector in recent years.

This trends summary explains how the photography sector broadly reflects the economy.

This trends summary explains how the physiotherapy sector reflects the economy.

This trends summary explains how the picture framing sector is broadly connected by the economy.

This trends summary explains how the pig meat sector in the UK is always cyclical, so peaks and troughs in profitability are the norm. But the troughs have become harder to weather and the peaks have become less profitable.

This trend summary explains that pizza delivery has become a very popular takeaway meal option, particularly with students and young people.

The main factors affecting the plant nursery market trends are largely based on the economy and weather conditions.

This trends summary explains how the plastering sector reflects the economy plus construction industry technology and regulations.

This trends summary explains how the plumbing sector reflects the economy plus construction industry technology and regulations.

This trend summary explains that many people who want to ride regularly have to go to a riding school or trekking centre.

This trends summary explains how participation in snooker and pool is affected by the disposable income of consumers.

The number of Post Office branches has remained steady in recent years as changes in shopping habits is seeing growth in some Post Office services. Read our Post Office sector trends.

This trend summary explains how the pottery sector is connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how intensive poultry production has changed in line with sensitivity to animal welfare issues.

This trend summary explains that the demand for printing services has reflected the state of the economy as a whole.

This trends summary explains developments in the public house sector, such as more pub chains and new regulations.

This trends summary explains that the music industry as a whole has had to adapt to changes in the way that people buy and listen to music.

This trend summary explains that the music retailing business in the UK has seen many changes over the past two decades.

This trends summary explains how reflexology and other complementary and alternative medicines are gaining popularity.

This trend summary explains that the removals sector is heavily dependent on the health of the housing market and the economy as a whole.

This trend summary explains how the architectural sector is closely linked to the health of the economy and the state of the construction industry and the housing market.

This trend summary explains how the retail-based sector fluctuates with the economy.

This trends summary explains how the roofing sector reflects changes in the construction sector and the economy as a whole.

This trend summary explains that demand for hand-made and unique craft products has increased over the last couple of decades or so and is connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains that the sandwich industry has seen strong growth in recent years and is continuing to grow, although very much faster in London than in the rest of the country.

This trends summary explains how the scaffolding sector is connected to the construction sector and the economy as a whole.

This trend summary explains that demand for scrap metal is directly affected by the demand for steel worldwide, which is closely linked to the state of the global economy.

This trends summary explains that the shoe repair sector has to provide other services, as demand for footwear repair declines.

This trend summary explains the changes in the show shop sector over recent years.

This trends summary explains how the shopfitting sector is affected by the retail economy and construction sector.

This trends summary explains that technology in the sign making sector has increased competition and expanded the market.

This trends summary explains how the skip hire sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how the smallholding sector reflects price and legislation changes in the agricultural sector.

This trend summary explains what is happening in the sports shop sector.

This trends summary explains that more firms are using temporary labour and staff agencies to fill vacancies quickly and easily.

This trend summary explains that the sport of surfing in the UK and the image and lifestyle that surrounds it is currently very popular and fashionable.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations of the tack shop sector in recent years.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the tanning industry.

This trend summary explains how hygiene regulations and tattoo conventions lend to the increased popularity of tattoos.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the taxi trade.

This trends summary explains how the thatching sector changes with modern technology, regulations and the economy.

This trends summary explains how the tiling services sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trends summary explains how the tool hire sector is broadly connected to the economy.

This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the toy shop sector in recent years.

This trends summary explains how the tree surgeon sector reflects the housing market and disposable income of households.

This trends summary explains that the turf supply market reflects the housing market and weather conditions.

This trends summary explains that the tyre fitting sector suffers from increased competition, but the demand for tyres remains high.

This trends summary explains how the upholstering sector reflects the housing market, fashion and the economy as a whole.

This trends summary explains developments in the used car sales sector, such as connections to the economy and new legislation.

This trends summary explains changes in the vet sector reflecting the increase in small animals and a decrease in farmed livestock.

This trend summary explains that the waste collection sector will grow as new legislation and recycling requirements increase.

This trends summary explains that web developers must have up to date skills, as the sector becomes more competitive.

This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the wholesaling sector.

This trends summary explains changes in the window cleaning sector as demand and competition increase, lowering rates and wages.

This trends summary explains how the window fitting sector reflects the housing market and the broader economy.

This trends summary explains that more cars on the road creates a large and steady demand for the windscreen service sector.