The Northern Ireland Annual Business Inquiry (NIABI) collects both financial and employment information from businesses and other establishments and covers about two thirds of the economy. This includes the production, construction, distribution and service industries in Northern Ireland but excludes public sector activity for the most part.

The UK facade market, a significant component of the broader construction sector, is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing urbanization, infrastructure development, and a rising demand for aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient buildings. The market's value, while not explicitly stated, can be reasonably estimated based on the global CAGR of >5% and the significant construction activity in the UK. Considering the UK's advanced construction industry and its substantial investment in infrastructure projects, the market size in 2025 is likely to be in the hundreds of millions of pounds. Key segments driving growth include ventilated facades, favored for their thermal performance and longevity, and those utilizing materials like glass and metal, reflecting architectural trends and modern building design. The residential sector, boosted by new housing developments and refurbishment projects, contributes significantly to market demand. However, challenges remain, such as fluctuating material costs, skilled labor shortages, and potential regulatory changes impacting building standards, which could moderate growth in the coming years. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook for the UK facade market remains positive. Continued investment in sustainable building practices, coupled with government initiatives promoting energy efficiency, is expected to fuel demand for high-performance facade systems. The market is likely to see increased adoption of innovative materials like plastics and fibres, driven by their cost-effectiveness and sustainability features. Furthermore, competition amongst established players such as EAG, Yuanda, Lindner Exteriors, and Permasteelisa, alongside local players like Swift Brickwork and FK Group, is fostering innovation and driving down costs, making facade upgrades more accessible. The market segmentation by material (glass, metal, stone, etc.) and application (commercial, residential) allows for targeted market penetration strategies by both established and emerging players. The growth trajectory is expected to remain strong throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), with a CAGR likely mirroring or exceeding the global average. Recent developments include: February 2021: The Clarison Group was formally launched bringing together four leading companies in the façade industry, Alucraft Limited, Alucraft Systems Limited, Williaam Cox, and EAG, to create a new force in the design, manufacture and installation of architectural glazing and façade systems in the UK & Ireland. Alucraft Limited and Williaam Cox are based in Ireland and Alucraft Systems and EAG in the UK. The Clarison Group is majority owned by Elaghmore, the UK-based private equity fund, which acquired the Alucraft and Williaam Cox businesses in 2018 and EAG in 2019. The combined group has over 400 employees and operates from six locations throughout the UK and Ireland, including Dublin, Tamworth, Cannock, Rotherham, Mildenhall, and Attleborough, with additional employed design teams based in Spain, Poland, and the Philippines., December 2022: A local capital investor BGF has invested GBP 5 million (USD 6.1 Million) in Clarke Group, a building facade specialist based in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, to support its growth across the UK and Ireland. Founded in 1996 by Michael Clarke, the family-owned business specializes in innovative design-led facade projects, providing an end-to-end service to blue-chip construction industry clients such as Berkeley, Morgan Sindall, and Balfour Beatty. In June 2022, the business also opened a new high-spec head office and state-of-the-art offsite manufacturing facility in Ballymena to support team expansion as it aims to become an industry leader in the coming years. The investment from BGF will support a strong order book as Clarke continues to scale across the UK and Ireland.. Key drivers for this market are: Energy efficiency in construction, Flexibility and customization options. Potential restraints include: Limited availability of suitable land for construction, Lower quality compared to traditional construction. Notable trends are: Expected Fall of Construction Output may Hinder Market Growth.

The North America structural steel fabrication market, currently valued at an estimated $25 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.83% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. The ongoing surge in construction activities, particularly in infrastructure development and commercial projects across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, significantly boosts demand for fabricated steel. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of sustainable building practices, with steel recognized as a recyclable and durable material, further propels market growth. The energy sector's ongoing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbine towers and solar panel mounting structures, also contribute to this upward trend. While potential supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in steel prices pose challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, especially with government initiatives promoting infrastructure modernization and sustainable development. The market segmentation reveals a strong demand across various end-user industries, including manufacturing, power and energy, and construction, with heavy sectional steel maintaining a significant market share. Leading companies like Valmont Industries Inc, Cornerstone Building Brands Inc, and Groupe Canam Inc are leveraging their expertise and innovative solutions to capitalize on this growing market. The market's growth trajectory is expected to be further influenced by technological advancements in steel fabrication techniques, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs. The increasing use of automation and robotics in fabrication processes, along with the development of high-strength, lightweight steel alloys, are key trends shaping the industry's future. Competition among established players and emerging companies will intensify, fostering innovation and driving down prices for consumers. However, navigating potential raw material price volatility and maintaining a skilled workforce will remain crucial for market players to sustain profitability and competitiveness in the coming years. The forecast suggests a continued expansion of the market throughout the forecast period (2025-2033), underpinned by consistent growth in infrastructure investments and the ongoing need for robust and sustainable construction materials across North America. Recent developments include: Jun 2022: Vancouver-based BM Group acquired LE Steel Fabricators Ltd. This acquisition will give them the opportunity to enter an existing sector from a different angle while carrying out more substantial repair and restoration operations. Additionally, BM Group's clients benefit from cost reductions, efficiency, and other advantages as a result of its strong financial position and varied portfolio of companies., Apr 2022: Terex announced the acquisition of Steelweld, a large parts manufacturer based in Northern Ireland. The acquisition of Steelweld will support Materials Processing's growth strategy by increasing its manufacturing capacity in Northern Ireland.. Key drivers for this market are: 3., Rapid Growth In the Infrastructure Sector3.; Increased Demand for Steel Products. Potential restraints include: 3., Rapid Growth In the Infrastructure Sector3.; Increased Demand for Steel Products. Notable trends are: Increased Use of Blockchain, Internet of Things, and Industry 5.0.

Evermore Renewable Energy (ERE) is planning to build a gas-fired power plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the UK.The project involves the construction of a 480MW gas-fired power plant. It includes the construction of a powerhouse, a substation, the installation of generators and transformers and the laying of transmission lines.It also includes the construction of an underground pipeline connection to the existing gas transmission infrastructure at Kinnegar Barracks.Project Design Engineers Ltd has been appointed a lead consultant.As of November 2016, the project is awaiting approvals from the health, environment and safety authorities.In August 2017, ERE has submitted a planning application to the Department for Infrastructure which has requested comments from the city council. Most of the application falls within the area administered by Belfast City Council, but some of the schemes is in the area administered by the Ards and North Down Borough Council at Kinnegar.Planning activities are underway. Construction activities are scheduled to completed by 2021. Read More