Sector trends

What particular trends are affecting specific types of business (such as a hotel, or a printer, or a taxi firm)? We explain some of the key trends for 200 types of business.

Sector trends - overview

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.

Male accountant using a calculator next to a laptop and stacks of paper
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Accountant sector trends

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.

Man in shirt installing an aerial for woman in her home
Article

Aerial installer sector trends

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

Group of architects looking at prints of a building plan
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Architect sector trends

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.

Group of friends looking at an art piece in an art gallery
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Art gallery sector trends

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.

Woman sitting down painting on canvas with paint brushes in foreground
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Art shop sector trends

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.

Woman filling other woman's lips in with lipstick in beauty salon
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Beauty salon sector trends

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.

Blacksmith hammering hot metal in dark room
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Blacksmith sector trends

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

Man and woman looking at the cover of book in bookshop
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Book shop sector trends

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

Female bookkeeper giving a man a blue folder with other folders already on the table
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Bookkeeper sector trends

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.

Woman fitting wedding dress onto bride in bridal shop
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Bridal shop sector trends

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

Male builder stacking breeze blocks on top of each other on a sunny day
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Builder sector trends

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

Customer holding building equipment in a tool shop
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Builders merchant sector trends

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

Butcher pointing to a selection of meats whilst serving woman in butchers
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Butcher sector trends

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

Woman holding two cardboard cups of coffee in front of till
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Cafe sector trends

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

Mechanic improving car alarm capabilities under a bonnet of a car
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Car alarm fitter sector trends

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.

Employee preparing a car for a paint job in a car bodyshop
Article

Car bodyshop sector trends

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.

Employee showing a customer a disk brake in a car parts shop
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Car parts shop sector trends

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

Car mechanic and customer stood next to car
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Car repairer sector trends

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.

Car valeter vacuuming a seat of a car
Article

Car valeter sector trends

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

Woman feeling beige carpet sample from employee in carpet shop
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Carpet shop sector trends

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.

Man in cheese factory making cheese
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Cheese maker sector trends

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

Woman looking after two children playing with toys
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Childminder sector trends

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

Man on roof sweeping a chimney on a sunny day
Article

Chimney sweep sector trends

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.

Group of friends having dinner at Chinese restaurant
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Chinese catering sector trends

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

Woman with short hair looking at patients feet in a white room
Article

Chiropodist sector trends

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

Woman lying on her side being moved into position by male chiropractor
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Chiropractor sector trends

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

Row of multiple classic cars lined up
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Classic car restorer sector trends

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.

Man in black suit and woman in black dress with yellow background
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Clothes hire sector trends

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

Man picking out blue shirt in clothes shop with other clothes in background
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Clothes shop sector trends

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

Woman in blue cap working in factory using sewing machine
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Clothing manufacturer sector trends

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

Man with arm around woman in computer shop being served by employee
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Computer shop sector trends

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

Two female contract cleaners in grey uniforms cleaning cleaning the stairway of a building
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Contract cleaner sector trends

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.

Male courier wearing a blue uniform holding two cardboard boxes in front of a yellow van
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Courier service sector trends

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

Green and orange cyclist cycling up outdoor track
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Cycling event organiser sector trends

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.

Multiple children at nursery drawing on coloured paper
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Day nursery sector trends

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

Woman in blue and white striped apron in delicatessen
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Delicatessen sector trends

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

Woman with brown hair in blue scrubs using dental equipment
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Dental lab sector trends

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.

Male dentist treating a female patient with assistant in background
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Dentist sector trends

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.

Two customers in DIY shop being served by employees with multiple tools in background
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DIY shop sector trends

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

Woman in colourful shirt measuring manikin with blue tape
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Dressmaker sector trends

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

Man in passenger teaching girl how to drive a car
Article

Driving school sector trends

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

Man in black suit pointing to piece of text in front of him
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E-business sector trends

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

Man in white shirt pointing to text written on blackboard
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eBay trader sector trends

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.

Woman holding kettle next to shelf of kettles in electrical shop
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Electrical shop sector trends

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

Male electrician in a blue and white plaid shirt fixing a fuse box
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Electrician sector trends

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.

Woman in top hat singing into microphone
Article

Entertainer sector trends

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

Man in suit with two customers in background in red tops with sold house
Article

Estate agent sector trends

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

Man operating machinery in factory with another man in background using machinery
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Factory based sector trends

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

Blonde women picking up vegetables in a farm shop
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Farm shop sector trends

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.

A yellow forklift moving hay bales on a sunny day
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Farm supplier sector trends

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

A farrier tending to a horses shoe
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Farrier sector trends

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

Woman eating chips with ketchup on them
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Fish and chips sector trends

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

Multiple woman on treadmill jogging in gym with red walls
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Fitness centre sector trends

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

Florist surrounded by various types of flowers serving a customer
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Florist sector trends

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

Man in work gear holding clipboard stood next to food conveyor belt
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Food manufacturer sector trends

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

Man laying flowers in a brown coffin
Article

Funeral director sector trends

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.

Man in cap building table in furniture making workshop
Article

Furniture maker sector trends

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.

Old man using hammer and chisel on wooden furniture
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Furniture restorer sector trends

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

Man and woman sitting on sofa looking at piece of material
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Furniture shop sector trends

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

Man working in a garage using his laptop whilst fixing a car
Article

Garage sector trends

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.

Multiple woman looking at different flowers in garden centre
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Garden centre sector trends

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

A marketer designs a company logo using an online tool
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Graphic designer sector trends

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

A woman is having her hair done in a hairdressing salon
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Hairdresser sector trends

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

HGV lorries on a road
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Haulier sector trends

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

Stocked up shelves in a health shop
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Health shop sector trends

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

White pills on a blue background
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Homeopath sector trends

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.

A woman relaxes in her luxury hotel bedroom
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Hotel sector trends

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

Multiple people stood in ice cream parlour being served by employees
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Ice cream parlour sector trends

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

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IFA sector trends

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.

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Interior designer sector trends

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.

Multiple people sat down at computers in internet cafe
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Internet cafe sector trends

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

Article

Joiner sector trends

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.

Woman in white shirt with clipboard coaching a man
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Life coaching sector trends

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

Group of girls having drinks in the back of limousine
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Limousine hire sector trends

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.

Woman in pink top holding lingerie in lingerie shop
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Lingerie shop sector trends

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

Man picking lock on white and blue door
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Locksmith sector trends

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

Two men in shirts and ties looking at a laptop
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Management consultant sector trends

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

Woman looking through variety of bags in outdoor market
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Market stall sector trends

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

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Metal working sector trends

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

Man in back on minicab giving cash to driver
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Minicab sector trends

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

DJ using decks at party with people dancing in background
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Mobile DJ sector trends

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.

Woman in blue suit selling customer phone in phone shop
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Mobile phones sector trends

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.

A motor dealer showing a legal contract to a couple at a motor dealership
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Motor dealer sector trends

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

Woman in leather jacket reading book with other books in background
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Newsagent sector trends

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.

Multiple people dancing in dark nightclub with lights in the background
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Nightclub sector trends

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

Man and woman holding bottle of red wine in an off-licence with wine in background
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Off-licence sector trends

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

Woman in glasses holding blue document with office supplies in background
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Office goods supplier sector trends

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

Female optician giving customer pair of glasses in glasses shop
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Optician sector trends

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

A farmer holing his produce on a sunny day at his organic farm
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Organic farm sector trends

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

Customer sitting on bench receiving back massage from osteopath
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Osteopath sector trends

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

Young painter in a high-visibility vest painting a set of windows
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Painter sector trends

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

Personal trainer motivating client who is using barbells to do pushups
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Personal trainer sector trends

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

Woman cutting small white dog's nails in grooming shop
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Pet grooming sector trends

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

Person holding rabbit with animal products in background in pet shop
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Pet shop sector trends

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

Pharmacist holding green medicine packet in pharmacy shop
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Pharmacy sector trends

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

Farmer using his laptop down by his pig pen
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Pig farm sector trends

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.

Man on phone holding stack of pizzas in pizza takeaway shop
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Pizza delivery sector trends

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

A diverse plant nursery inside a greenhouse
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Plant nursery sector trends

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

A man plasters a wall
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Plasterer sector trends

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

A plumber fits some pipework
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Plumber sector trends

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

Three people trekking on ponies along a beach with the sunset in background
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Pony trekking sector trends

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

Man in waistcoat playing pool in dark room with peoples and tables in background
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Pool hall sector trends

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

Red post office sign sticking out of beige wall
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Post office sector trends

This trend summary explains the results of a steady fall in post offices over the last 10 years.

Man sitting down making vase out of brown clay using tool
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Pottery sector trends

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

A group of chickens on poultry farm
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Poultry farm sector trends

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

Man in blue boiler suit operating large printer
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Printer sector trends

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

Pint of beer on bar side underneath taps
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Public house sector trends

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

A producer mixes a song being recorded in a record label studio
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Record label sector trends

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.

Man in brown sweater holding record with woman in background looking for records
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Record shop sector trends

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

Customer lying on bench receiving foot massage from reflexologist
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Reflexologist sector trends

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

Two men unloading cardboard boxes from the back of a lorry
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Removals sector trends

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

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Residential lettings sector trends

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.

A roofer replaces the roof tiles on a house
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Roofer sector trends

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

Woman in red shirt sat down at table making rural crafts
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Rural crafts sector trends

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.

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Sandwich bar sector trends

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.

Scaffolders in high-visibility jackets working by a window
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Scaffolder sector trends

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

Man in high visibility vest in metal scrapyard with blue skies in background
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Scrap metal dealer sector trends

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.

Person hammering nail into the heel of a black shoe
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Shoe repair sector trends

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

Shoes and a handbag on rails in a white retail shop
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Shopfitter sector trends

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

A young sign writer works on a commission
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Sign writer sector trends

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

Yellow skips on road outside garages
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Skip hire sector trends

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

Young man attending his vegetables on his smallholding
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Smallholding sector trends

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

A diverse group of agency staff hold up a sign saying Job Search
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Staff agency sector trends

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

Man showing customer multiple different surfboards in surf shop
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Surf shop sector trends

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.

Man with sideburns giving customer a tattoo in a studio
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Tattoo studio sector trends

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

Black taxi with 'TAXI' sign lit up during night-time
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Taxi firm sector trends

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

Man holding thatching materials with thatched house in background
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Thatcher sector trends

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

Multiple different electrical tools with white background
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Tool hire sector trends

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

Little girl in pink top playing with different toys in toy shop
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Toy shop sector trends

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

Tree surgeon up a tree removing branches
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Tree surgeon sector trends

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

Pile of rolled turf on a lawn
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Turf supplier sector trends

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

A man fits a new set of tyres
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Tyre fitter sector trends

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

Man in grey jumper and brown dungarees repairing wooden chair
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Upholsterer sector trends

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

A used car dealership sells secondhand cars
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Used car dealer sector trends

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

Vet checking a golden retrievers paws
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Vet sector trends

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

A waste collection storage facility
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Waste collection sector trends

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

Web developers working on a website development project
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Web developer sector trends

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

Man in warehouse scanning packaged products on shelf
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Wholesaler sector trends

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

Person on the side of glass building cleaning windows with blue sky
Article

Window cleaner sector trends

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

Man in red shirt fitting new double-glazed window
Article

Window fitter sector trends

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

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