Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The Cutting, Shaping and Finishing of Stone industry is expected to generate revenue of about £611.1 million in 2011-12, compared with £600.9 million in 2006-07 (yielding average annual growth of about 0.3%). Industry revenue is expected to increase by about 9.7% in 2011-12, as demand from the construction sector improves after a sharp fall in the previous year. Boom-bust conditions also prevailed in the preceding years, leading to extreme year-to-year revenue volatility. The industry is small, generating only about 0.02% of GDP and its net profit, before interest and tax, is expected to be about £138.6 million in 2011-12... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Analysis Chapter
The Stone Cutting, Shaping and Finishing industry relies on demand from housing and commercial construction, as well as restoration work on public buildings, and the underlying demand for monuments, particularly gravestones or markers. The strong link to construction is multifaceted: stone blocks (limestone and sandstone) are used for exterior walls; slate tiles are used for roofing; and hard stone, such as marble and granite, is used in a range of applications, including decorative flooring, cladding for walls, bench tops and splashbacks.
Volatile
The industry's strong link to construction of various types has made for considerable volatility... purchase to read more