UK Equipment Pros Offer Gloomy Outlook

Foodservice Equipment Association, the United Kingdom’s trade association for equipment manufacturers, importers, distributors, resellers and service companies, released the results of cross-section survey of its members.

The results of the “State of the Market” survey indicate that respondents predict more second-hand equipment sales, more online sales, and a lack of cash. It also saw that although companies predict a greater second-hand market. And they also believe that the number of maintenance and service engineers will be reduced.

 “If there is a move towards service and more repair, obviously engineers are needed to do that. It’s going to be critical that we hold on to their knowledge and experience throughout this process” FEA chief executive Keith Warren told Specifi’s audience during the  ‘Ready for the Reinvention’ webinar.

Other survey results included     
 

• Manufacturing output was the lowest on record.
• 20% companies have furloughed at least a quarter of its staff.
• 37% of manufacturers do not expect trading conditions to return for at least 6 to 12 months.
• The association estimates the foodservice industry in the U.K. contracted by one-sixth between January and March. The reasons include Brexit

The full report is available on the association’s web site.