As the days shorten and the weather dampens, the UK fencing sector is slowing down after what, for most, was a positive summer.

After last winter’s prolonged wet weather, the fencing season had a strong start in spring this year and the dry, warm summer meant demand continued.

“We have enjoyed a buoyant summer and would put that down to the good weather we had. It was a surprise, especially as the spring was good for sales as well,” one trader said.

Demand perhaps dipped in August but that is to be expected in the school holidays.

He added that it was “slightly better than a normal season”, although was quick to point out that with the fencing frenzy during the Covid pandemic and the continued rain last year it was difficult to remember the last normal year.

A fencing contractor had a similar experience.

“The spring and summer months were busy, with our lead time to install fences running at a consistent six to eight weeks for the duration,” he said.

While the dry summer weather helped to sustain a satisfying level of demand, little of it seemed to be related to people moving or buying new houses.

“The housing market being quite slow has meant people aren’t wanting us to fence their gardens once they’ve recently moved. Instead, it’s been returning customers looking to upgrade or renew,” said one contractor.

He, too, noticed a “massive drop-off” in enquiries during the summer holidays, which suggested people were prioritising summer holidays over spending on garden projects.

“It was back to pre-Covid times when the demand for our services follows school term dates,” he said.

One supplier reported his sales were up 5% on last year, which helped to pay for the increase in employer’s NI contributions and the trebling in his electricity costs when his supply contract ended.

Another manufacturer and supplier also noted the impact of the higher National Insurance bill.

“We haven’t made the pay awards we would have done if National Insurance hadn’t gone up,” he said.

He was less positive than other contacts about this year’s fencing season and felt the UK’s economic climate made people more mindful of where they spent their money.

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