Construction Market Research

Harnessing market research for strategic advantage in the construction industry

Construction market research for the construction industry

Market research in the construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategies and decisions of businesses operating within this dynamic sector. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, supplier, contractor, or service provider, Leading Edge offer bespoke construction market research services designed to equip you with actionable insights and construction market intelligence to navigate the complexities of the market and stay ahead of the competition.

Understanding the intricacies of the construction market is essential for any organisation looking to thrive in this environment. Construction industry market research encompass a comprehensive range of research methodologies. From analysing market trends and forecasting future developments to assessing customer preferences and competitor strategies, our expertise, as the UK's leading construction market research agency, ensures that our clients are well-informed to make strategic decisions.

Moreover, our team of seasoned analysts is adept at conducting in-depth competitor analyses, offering a clear view of the competitive landscape. This allows our clients to understand their position in the market, identify potential threats, and discover untapped areas for differentiation and innovation.

engineer working project accounting with graph office

Leading Edge provided invaluable market research that equipped us with a thorough understanding of the UK’s insulated foundation systems market. Their phased approach not only detailed the competitor framework but also dissected three viable market entry points. This strategic insight has been instrumental in preparing our entry into a new market, enhancing our decision-making process with comprehensive data and expert analysis. We are exceptionally pleased with their performance and outcomes.

Commercial Director, Kore Systems

Leading Edge’s market research expertise adeptly identified our market position and share, providing insight into our competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Their thorough analysis of supplier selection criteria, market pain points, and opportunities has guided our strategy. Impressively, they’ve pinpointed gaps in the local market, offering actionable recommendations to enhance our product offering. Their contribution has been pivotal in refining our market approach, and as such we engaged them to carry out a further research programme for an additional area within our business. We highly recommend Leading Edge for comprehensive market analysis.

Sales and Marketing Director, Norman Piette Limited

Leading Edge was contracted to perform a market analysis to inform our product development and marketing strategies. Throughout the engagement, their team demonstrated a high level of professionalism and an understanding of our industry’s complexities. The analysis provided was thorough, including an examination of market segments, consumer behaviour and competitive positioning. The analysis and insights they provided were instrumental in guiding our strategic decisions. They had an objective stance and the presentation of the data was clear. The collaboration with Leading Edge exceeded our expectations for a market research project.

Marketing Director, Steel Door Manufacturer

Leading Edge undertook a customer research programme for us which included analysis of purchasing habits and Net Promoter Score collection, aiming to understand our customers more deeply. The project was managed with a high degree of professionalism, from the initial design of the survey through to the analysis and presentation of results. Leading Edge’s team provided a detailed interpretation of the data, highlighting key areas for strategic improvement. The insights gained from their analysis have been critical to our efforts in improving customer loyalty and satisfaction. We found the engagement with Leading Edge to be valuable, appreciating their objective and thorough approach to the survey and analysis.

Senior Marketing Manager, Williams

The team at Leading Edge are very professional. We worked with them over the course of 18 months on two research studies helping us to better identify our possibilities in a selection of European insulation markets.

Market Intelligence Manager, Global Insulation Manufacturer

It had been a long time since we had undertaken market research by an external company and I felt that the whole way through the process that Leading Edge had the understanding and knowledge to lead the project for us. The results were presented very clearly and concisely and I would gladly recommend Leading Edge to anyone who is looking for a market leader in market research.

Head of Group Marketing, Acheson & Glover

The Leading Edge team was very efficient and professional in their approach and kept to an extremely restricted delivery date. The results of the research have proved to be very helpful and insightful in moving our projects forward.

Marketing Director, BRE

Thank you for a great piece of research on the UK Timber sector. The quality and depth of the work by the Leading Edge team on a complex task fully vindicated my recommendation for using you at the outset. I look forward to working with you again soon.

Marketing Manager, Enterprise Ireland

The results of Leading Edge’s research will be fed directly into our marketing strategy, while the detailed analysis highlighted opportunities for growth. The project met all our objectives and as a result we have commissioned them to carry out further research projects for us.

Marketing Manager, MITIE Property Services

We were very pleased with the level of industry know-how, that gave us the chance to get the best out of this project. Also the level of communication and response was very good. We strongly recommend Leading Edge and would consider them in the future for any research project.

Senior Marketing Manager, DuPont

Having not done any previous research in the construction industry I took great confidence from Leading Edge’s clear expertise in this area. Their support throughout the whole project has been excellent. I will certainly use them again when the brief requires this high level of industry expertise.

Market Intelligence Manager, Samsung

How we work with you on your Construction Market Research project

Consult

We want our work to answer your questions. Our consultation lets us fully understand your aims and objectives and make a plan of action for your market research project. We have hundreds of construction market research projects covering all types of construction research topics under our belt and enjoy each one being a little bit different!

Data

We go out and uncover the information, opinions and insights that will really increase your knowledge and construction market intelligence. There are loads of ways to do this, and we love figuring out which ones work best. So we might target specifiers, contractors, customers or competition clientele: wherever the right information is waiting.

Analysis

Finding data is one thing, but what does it all actually mean? We’ll give you tangible action points and ideas that your business can put into practice. We strive to uncover the hidden business insights that are waiting to be found and then tell you all about them!

Report

Yes, we get excited about data, but we also know that it’s only useful when it’s translated well. Leading Edge construction market research reports are clear, accessible and usable. As we’re fully invested in your research objectives, we want to give you the insights and tools to develop tangible strategies.

How to conduct market research for your construction company

Telephone Interviews

At Leading Edge, we believe it’s about more than just writing good questions. Our interviewers are construction industry experts which means they can have insightful conversations, know the key issues in the sector, understand how the specification process works and have the knowledge to conduct technical interviews.

Web Based

Depending on who we’re gathering data from, web links can be so much more convenient. Great for collecting quantitative data or if we’re talking to busy trades or site based workers who might be hard to reach.

Face to Face

When a project needs rich or detailed data, executive interviews are ideal. Our experienced interviewers get right into the nitty gritty so that you can really understand the potential benefits and challenges for your project.

Focus Groups

A classic technique, we use focus groups for a reason. If you’re at the early stages of a product or service, online or in person focus groups are brilliant for gathering real world feedback.

The entire team have passion for construction market research which drives our success. With over 35 years of industry expertise, we provide insights that empower our clients to make strategic decisions and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Elly Cousin, Director

Our Track Record In Construction Market Research

Case Study: Assessment of Market Opportunity for a New Product for Construction Design for Local Authorities

Leading Edge was tasked by a prominent Tier 1 contractor to evaluate the market opportunity for an innovative construction design product. This product, aimed at Local Authorities, focuses on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and modular design, presenting a fresh approach in the sector.

Objectives: Assessing Market Viability and Customer Needs

The primary aim was to gauge the market viability of this new product. Key focuses included understanding customer decision-making processes and priorities in residential property design and maintenance, and identifying potential gaps in the current and future needs of these customers. Additionally, the contractor wanted to determine the reception of their new residential offering and explore necessary modifications to increase its market demand.

Research and Data Collection: Engaging Key Decision-Makers and Conducting In-depth Interviews

The research commenced with identifying senior decision-makers across 25 Local Authorities and Housing Associations. These individuals were crucial for providing informed feedback and opinions. In-depth interviews were then conducted, focusing on strategic use of MMC and specific design elements, such as Passivhaus standards and achieving net-zero operational carbon. This approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of both strategic needs and specific design requirements influential in decision-making.

Findings and Conclusion: Shaping Strategies for Market Introduction

The insights gained offered a clear view of the market landscape and potential areas the new product could address. These findings were pivotal in shaping the client’s marketing and operational strategies for their product launch. Feedback from decision-makers provided a realistic perspective on the product’s market acceptance and highlighted areas for improvement or change to enhance appeal to the target audience. This project underscores the effectiveness of a structured, strategic approach in market analysis and product development, demonstrating how direct engagement with stakeholders and a focus on both strategic and design-specific aspects can inform and guide successful market introductions.

More Construction Market Research Case Studies

Gap analysis and market review for manufacturer of water and wastewater treatment equipment

professional contractor removing old linoleum flooring home renovation concept

Analysis of Market Size, Competitors, and Brand Positioning with Detailed Market Research into Niche Sectors

construction site sunset structural steel beam build large residential buildings generative ai

Analysis of UK Infrastructure Market for Construction Material Supplier

landscape shot small rural waterfall spring day 181624 24380

International market research for a water and wastewater equipment manufacturer

Assessment of Market Opportunity for a European Building Product Manufacturer of Sustainable Products

workers standing and checking beside working oil pumps.

Assessment of Market to Establish Demand, Positioning and Pricing Prior to Product Launch

aerial view of streets and office building in business district at night

Competitor analysis for a laboratory operating in the water and waste sectors

in an office consumed by whirlwinds of activity a pair of hands clutches a stress ball

Research and production of a guide detailing UK support for environmental and energy sectors

Research to assist UK companies in the environmental and energy sectors operating in Eastern Europe

construction site with cranes sunset construction apartment building

Assessment of UK Construction Market for New Product Launch

Assessment of UK Construction Market to Measure Usage of Concrete

Construction Market Research for Building Product Manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions for Construction Market Research

Qualitative construction market research involves gathering non-numerical data to understand market trends, customer behaviours, preferences, and motivations in the construction industry. The objective of qualitative construction market research is to measure the number of respondents who act, feel or think in a particular way in order to draw conclusions on the wider population.
Larger sample sizes are required, typically a minimum of around 30 – 40 up to many hundreds or thousands. They are normally drawn from a random sample of the population.
Data collections techniques used in qualitative construction market research are:
• Telephone interviews
• Online surveys
• Face to face interviews
• Omnibus surveys

With statistical analysis typically including tables and conclusions. Qualitative construction market research is often used to recommend a specific course of action.

Market research helps construction and building product companies in major decision making as it provides a solid basis of data and improves the chances of taking the right decision. Examples include new product launches, investment in new production equipment, brand rationalisation and service level changes.

However, the decision then needs to be taken as to what type of market research will best help in gathering the right type and level of information. The main choice is between qualitative and quantitative construction market research or a combination of both.

The objective of construction qualitative market research is to gain an initial understanding of an issue or uncover key trends and reasons for behaviour.

Smaller sample sizes are typically smaller than required for qualitative research. They are not always representative of the total population and are often with key decision makers or experts.

Typically, semi or unstructured interviews are undertaken, with data collected via:
• In depth one to one (in person or via phone)
• In depth with a small group of 2 or 3 respondents (in person)
• Group discussions / online focus groups

Qualitative construction market research will provide an initial understanding of the subject that is exploratory rather than conclusive. It provides a sound base for decision making, particularly when backed up with desk research.

Conducting telephone interviews offers several advantages compared to other research methods:

Ensured Clarity of Questions: An interviewer guides the conversation, ensuring that questions are understood correctly, and any misunderstandings are promptly clarified, leading to higher quality data.

In-depth Data Collection: With interviews lasting up to an hour or more, a substantial amount of information can be gathered from each participant.

Opportunity for Detailed Exploration: Telephone interviews allow interviewers to delve deeper into intriguing responses. This probing capability helps extract more comprehensive insights on specific topics.

Increased Response Rates: By scheduling appointments and following up on potential leads, telephone interviews typically achieve higher response rates than other methods.

Effective Respondent Screening: Telephone interviews ensure you're speaking with the right person before starting the interview. This direct interaction confirms the identity of the respondent, unlike online surveys where respondent identity can be uncertain.

Questionnaire Flexibility: Various types of questions can be included, and a discussion guide can replace a rigid questionnaire. This allows for a more fluid and adaptable interview process.

Access to B2B Audiences: In business-to-business research, telephone interviews are often the most effective method for reaching hard-to-access respondents. Many roles and industries are not well-represented in online panels, making telephone interviews the best way to collect their data.

The major variable cost for most market research projects is the sample size. The larger the sample size the greater the cost of the project, but you will have more confidence when drawing conclusions from the results and vice versa. It all depends whether you are looking for initial indicators or exact figures on which to base your decisions. If you are looking to identify the broad picture of the market structure, for example, then a small sample of industry experts will probably be ok and you would not gain much from a very large sample. If you are looking to track market share or customer ratings then you will need a larger sample.
The key decisions you need to make that will determine the budget required are:
• Overall objectives of the research
• Data collection technique
• Level of accuracy required
• Level of robustness of results
• Sub groups you need information on
• Reporting format

Why choose Leading Edge for Construction Market Research

35+ Years Experience

37,000+ Research Interviews Completed

389+ Construction & Environmental Clients

Leading Edge, established in 1988, has over 35 years of experience in construction market research. We have collaborated with hundreds of clients on bespoke market studies and conducted over 37,000 research interviews, providing deep insights into the construction, building products, and environmental sectors.

We offer comprehensive market coverage in the UK, across Europe and globally, bringing you a world of market insights right to your doorstep.

Our team comprises of experts in construction market research, strategic consulting and commercial construction - delivering reliable and actionable intelligence. Working extensively across the construction industry supply chain, out clients often include contractors, building product manufacturers, trade associations, and related service organisations.

In the environmental and energy markets, our expertise spans various sub-sectors, serving multinational corporations in water and waste management, support service intermediaries, SMEs and public sector clients at national, regional and local levels.