Of course this is only June, so we’ll have to wait for the fat lady ( sorry, the fat man in the red suit and white beard) to sing.

1. Resin Price increases. Yes, well on track and my prediction on Resin price increases may well be exceeded by year end.
2. Extrusion companies will increase prices by a headline 8% – 10% and fail to hold most of it due to desperation price cutting by a one or two companies teetering on the edge.  Well folks we’re there, except it looks like 6% to 14% and we’ll watch to see who’s real and who’s bluffing.
3. Colour demand will grow dramatically. Yes, definitely, in solid colours, foils and paint.
4. Market volume will contract by 5%. Looks more like flat or a small increase, but within that there are significant winners and losers.
5. A small growth in the number of  independent stockists as the larger group companies tighten up, close some depots and let ambitious staff go. Its happening. And of course this is essential to provide growth and new energy in any sphere.

Zolo? Who is this "Zolo" character?

Every blogger worth their salt does an annual “5 Predictions for the coming year” blog post.  A post that is then inevitably revisited at the end of the year where said blogger explains why their wildly inaccurate forecasts seemed like a good idea at the time.

Also, seeing as how it’s the middle of February, this is a little late.   But no matter, let us proceed…

My Top-5 Predictions for the Roofline Market in 2010:

1. PVC Resin prices will rise and fall and rise dramatically during the year. Prices are close to historic levels now and are over £100 a tonne over average historic prices.  I predict £50 increase at years end with more than £150 peak rise during the year.
2. Extrusion companies will increase prices by a headline 8% – 10% and fail to hold most of it due to desperation price cutting by a one or two companies teetering on the edge.
3. Colour demand will grow dramatically.
4. Market volume will contract by 5%
5. A small growth in the number of  independent stockists as the larger group companies tighten up, close some depots and let ambitious staff go.

So there you have it.  Palmistry or crystal ball gazing, would probably produce just as accurate a result.  We shall see.

I’d be interested to hear what anyone else thinks!