Market Analysis

UK connector orders steady, with distribution share weak

ITSA’s recent report finds that the Book to Bill is positive at 1.05:1, due to a high direct order intake in Q4.

Distributors appear to have de-stocked in Q4, down 15%, probably in anticipation of a slow-down in orders.

This is important as they represent some 46% of ITSA members sales.

Headline stats:

  • Revenues down -4% year-on-year and orders up 2% year-on-year
  • Order intake in Q4 of 2024 was the highest since Q2 of 2022

Market performance continues to vary:

  • Broadcast up 83%
  • Medical +48%
  • Communication +29%
  • Mil/Aero +4% (a drop from the +16% in Q3)
  • T&M down 17%
  • Mass Transport down 13%

2024 was obviously a challenge, but the UK connector market held up well.

2025 is looking like a year of caution with most members expecting flat revenues and if any growth is achieved it will be extremely low single digit.

Download a full copy of the ITSA Report.