Business Pilot Barometer October 2025: Renewed energy

Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst at Business Pilot, discusses this month’s statistics as part of his regular Barometer, which for October 2025, shows a renewed sense of positivity across the sector.

October’s performance marks another positive step for installers, with key indicators improving across the board and average order value delivering an especially welcome boost to margins.

Despite a broader climate of uncertainty, the figures show that many homeowners remain committed to completing projects before the year ends.

Conversion rate remained strong in October, nudging up to 40.7% from 39.8% in September. While not the highest of the year, it signals consistent buyer commitment and underlines the quality of leads being generated. It also reflects well on how sales teams are responding to shifting customer expectations and maintaining a steady conversion pipeline as winter approaches.

Sales volumes climbed again, reaching 53.5 in October, up from 49.3 in September, an 8.5% rise and the highest level since July. This reinforces that, despite ongoing caution around spending, homeowners are still progressing with planned home improvements, particularly as energy efficiency and security remain top of mind.

That said, the uplift came alongside a minimal rise in lead volumes, which edged from 105.6 to 105.8. This suggests a continuation of the summer trend: while overall lead generation has stabilised, it is the quality and conversion that are driving growth, not a surge in new enquiries.

Meanwhile, average order value made a significant jump – from £3,736 in September to £4,647 in October. That’s an almost 25% increase, which may reflect higher-ticket installations being confirmed ahead of winter, or a shift in consumer focus toward more premium or bundled product purchases.

All of this comes against the backdrop of a still-challenging economic landscape. UK inflation held at 3.8% in September, marking the third successive month the rate remains unchanged – and the 12th month in a row inflation is above the Bank of England’s 2% target. Average mortgage rates also rose for the first time month-on-month since February, as lenders approach the winter with caution. Analysts suggest base rate cuts by the Bank of England appear unlikely, with the typical uncertainty present that tends to foreshadow a Budget.

But installers appear to be navigating this environment well, adapting to seasonal behaviours while continuing to convert and deliver with increasing efficiency. With the market now heading into the final quarter of the year, October’s figures provide a reassuring foundation.

If you’re not already using Business Pilot, now’s the time to see how this kind of insight can help you fine-tune your strategy. From tracking leads and conversions to optimising your sales process, Business Pilot arms you with the data and tools you need to drive growth.

For more information visit www.businesspilot.co.uk