News
SNIPEF TechDay 2 May
SNIPEF is pleased to bring you a fantastic FREE annual member event. We have secured a wide range of exhibitors from hand tool companies and job management software suppliers to wetroom, shower and boiler manufacturers as well as a host of new heating technology providers.
Our technical team will be there to meet you and answer any technical questions you may have, and our membership and industrial relations representatives will also be on hand.
We are also running a series of short business information sessions, which aim to bring you up-to-date with your obligations in terms of new data protection legislation and to help you negotiate contracts. Sessions will last 20 minutes and will cover:
- Commercial and contracts: understanding contracts and exploring ways of mitigating risks
- GDPR: if you hold customer information you need to know how to prepare for the new General Data Protection Regulations coming in at the end of May
- Employment status claims: amidst the evolution of the ‘gig economy’, we’ll explore issues related to employment status and how this is determined.
- Approved certifier scheme: what is it and why should you consider joining?
We have tailored this event specifically to SNIPEF members; we are bringing you everything you need to help you in your business life under one roof, on one day and it’s completely free to attend for you and your staff. Did we mention that you get lunch too?!
To register for your free tickets visit https://snipeftechday18.eventbrite.co.uk or call 0131 556 0600.
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29 March 2018
SEVERE WEATHER 28 February
The SNIPEF offices will close at 2pm today because of the severe weather red alert issued by the Met Office.
The office may reopen on Thursday 1 March depending on subsequent weather alerts.
Please follow our Twitter feed @SNIPEFnews for updates.
CARILLION UPDATE
Further to our email of 16th January. Latest reports say that those working on public sector contracts will continue to be paid, however, this is not the case for private sector contractors. Please take advice if you are affected.
- The official PWC liquidation website can be viewed here. There is also a dedicated helpline 0800 063 9282.
- Scottish companies affected by the Carillion insolvency can call Scottish Enterprise on 0300 013 3385 or register their details here.
- The redundancy helpline operated by Skills Development Scotland is 0800 917 8000, with help also available here.
We have been asked by SEC Group whether any affected members would be prepared to speak to the press. If you are prepared to do this, please get in touch with Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive.
18 January 2018
CARILLION COLLAPSE
The announcement that Carillion has gone into liquidation unfortunately comes as no surprise. SNIPEF along with other construction sector bodies has warned of the potentially disastrous impact on subcontractors in the supply chain of such an event.
Fiona Hodgson Chief Executive of SNIPEF said: “The collapse of Carillion demonstrates how precarious things can be in the construction sector and absolutely reinforces the need for project bank accounts to be mandatory in public sector contracting. The construction industry must change and provide a fairer and more secure trading environment for SMEs. SNIPEF hopes that the inevitable parliamentary scrutiny following this unfortunate event will drive forward the need for change and will put a stop to poor payment practices”.
Since the announcement was made, media reports have said indicated that:
- Carillion are trying to get a refinancing deal (they are reported to need £300 million emergency funding by the end of the month). Reports on progress are mixed.
- Carillion have EY on standby to step in as administrator if they can’t put it together
- Government ministers have had meetings with Carillion and government has contingency plans in place for their own projects being undertaken by Carillion
- The Pension Regulator and the Pension Protection Fund have also met with Carillion
There has been no reporting on the monies owed to subcontractors or the devastation this situation might cause to subcontractors. SNIPEF will monitor the situation with regard to its impact on member firms and we urge any members affected to contact us in order that we can direct them to advice on how to proceed. Also, in order that SNIPEF can lobby government for protections for subcontractors, we are collecting evidence of monies owed or payments outstanding. Please complete this form if your business is affected in this way and send to ceo@snipef.org.
PWC has advised that all subcontractors should continue to work and provide services. They have issued this information update for affected suppliers.
Individual responses will be treated with the utmost confidence and collated into totals for the sector.
15 January 2018
SNIPEF OFFICE CHRISTMAS CLOSURE
SNIPEF Headquarters at Bellevue House will be closed from 2pm on Friday 22nd December to 9 am on Wednesday 3rd January.
We wish all our members and associates a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
22 December 2017
SNIPEF SUPPORTS CALL FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN PAYMENT PRACTICES
In partnership with a number of trade bodies and SEC Group SNIPEF is a signatory on the following open letter, which was published in the Telegraph on 18 December 2017. The letter is reproduced below.
The Telegraph – Opinion
Letters Monday 18 December 2017
End poor payment practices in construction
Sir – In the construction industry, clients and main contractors have traditionally withheld for a time part of the payment owed to specialist contractors and builders, ostensibly as security against defective work or risk of insolvency.
As trade associations and professional bodies representing many small and medium-sized businesses, we want to highlight the following facts about this practice, known as cash retentions.
Some £10.5 billion of the overall construction sector turnover of £220 billion is held in retentions by clients and main contractors from small and medium-sized businesses down the supply chain.
An estimated £7.8 billion in retentions has been unpaid in the construction sector over the last three years, and in the same period £700 million of retentions were lost due to upstream insolvencies.
Poor payment practices in construction affect productivity, innovation and investment, holding back the sector’s overall capacity to do business and invest in the workforce. With construction a cornerstone of enterprise in the United Kingdom and fundamental to enhancing the country’s built environment, the problem of retentions cannot go on, but needs tackling as a priority.
There is, though, a simple way to reform the system. Regulations should specify that retentions must be held in a statutory retention deposit scheme (rather than in clients’ own bank accounts), an approach which is already being used successfully in Australia.
The government consultation on retentions is still under way, but we believe that there is no longer any reason to stick with the status quo, or for this issue to be potentially kicked again into the long grass.
Reforming retentions would be a good way for the Government to show it is truly standing up for the interests of small and medium-sized businesses, and is willing to put them at the forefront of plans for an industrial strategy and the expansion of the UK economy.
Signatories (23)
• ECA - Electrotechnical and Engineering Services Trade Body - Paul Reeve, Director of Business
• Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) - Rob Driscoll, Director of Legal & Commercial
• SEC Group - Trevor Hursthouse OBE, Chairman
• British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) - Marion Rich, Director of Legal and Contractual
• Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) - Nick Mellor, Managing Director
• SELECT - Alan Wilson, Director of Communications
• National Federation of Builders - Richard Beresford, Chief Executive
• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) - John Thompson, CEO
• Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF) - Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive
• Contract Flooring Association - Richard Catt, CEO
• Structural Timber Association - Andrew Carpenter, Chief Executive
• British Blind and Shutter Association - Andrew Chalk, Director of Operations
• Confederation of Construction Specialists - Gerald Kelly, General Manager
• Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors (FTMRC) - Nigel Johnston, General Manager
• Lead Contractors Association - Nigel Johnston, General Manager
• National Association of Shopfitters - Robert Hudson, Director
• National Federation of Demolition Contractors - Howard Button, CEO
• Chartered Association of Building Engineers - Tony Ginda, Membership Development Manager
• Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) - Russell Beattie, Chief Executive
• Scaffolding Association - Robert Candy, Founder
• Stone Federation Great Britain - Jane Buxey, Chief Executive
• Glass & Glazing Federation - Phil Pluck, Group Chief Executive
• Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) - David Frise, CEO
18 December 2017
SNIPEF SUPPORTS QUALITY PLUMBER WEEK
Our Technical Manager, Martyn Raine explains why SNIPEF is supporting Quality Plumber Week 2017 and how you can bag yourself some goodies.
Click here to watch the video
4 October 2017
SNIPEF ANGLING COMPETITION
2017
The Annual Angling Competition took
place on 31 August at the Lake of Menteith. A total of 17 boats took part and
the participants enjoyed high tea at the Forth Inn, Aberfoyle afterwards. The
winners were as detailed below:
1st Place - James Stuart from Team Ian Crighton (4 fish
total weight 12lbs 6oz and the heaviest fish 4lb)
2nd Place - Graham Fyfe from Potter Plumbing &
Heating (GB) Ltd (4 fish total weight 11lb 8oz)
3rd Place - Roddy Potter from Potter Plumbing &
Heating (GB) Ltd (4 fish total weight 10lb 12 oz)
Heaviest Fish
Sam Marshall from John Clarkson 4lb
10oz

1st Place winner James
Stuart Heaviest fish prize winner – Sam Marshall
5/9/17
SNIPEF CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING EVENT - WINNERS AND LOSERS
The SNIPEF Clay Pigeon Shooting took place on 23 August at County Clays, Dunkeld. It was a successful day enjoyed by all. The shoot was followed by the presentation of prizes by Gerry Woods, SNIPEF President and a buffet lunch.
  
There were seven participating teams and the event involved a team competition and bird flush. The team event winners were the Gary Coyle and Mike Davies and the Flush winners were Roddy Potter and Bob Hanuem. Gerry Woods received the Clay Preservation Award.
  
24/8/17
SNIPEF WORKSHOP: COMMERCIAL ISSUES
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Contracts and cash flow: a workshop on commercial issues
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Friday, 29 September 2017
09:30-12.30 or 1.30-16:30 (BST)
Falkirk Stadium
4 Stadium Way
FK2 9EE Grangemouth
United Kingdom
View Map |
SNIPEF is pleased to bring you a workshop focussed on commercial and contractual issues and intended to assist business owners to protect their cash flow. SNIPEF members are offered places at a special discounted rate of £35.00 (including admin fee).
The workshop will cover:
- amendments to standard contracts, what to look out for
- payment mechanisms, how they operate, what is the due date and the final date for payment
- recommendations in relation to your applications for payment, schedule of dates
- what to do if you do not get paid the amount due and on time
- collecting retentions
- termination clauses to look out for
- how to deal with variations
- problems associated with Contractor Design Portion contracts
- getting your final accounts agreed
- how the adjudication process operates and how to maximise your chances of success
- what are Project Bank Accounts
- problem case studies
- interactive sessions - discuss issues that you have experienced recently
The workshop will run twice on Friday 29th September; beginning at 9.30 am or 1.30 pm. Lunch will be available for all participants from 12.30 pm.
Places are limited so please book early if you would like to attend.
Presenters
Len Bunton FRICS FCIArb Hon FRIAS
Len acts as a contractual adviser to a number of contracting organisations and is also a very experienced adjudicator and arbitrator.
Angus Pearson FRICS FCIArb
Angus acts for a number of contractors and subcontractors throughout United Kingdom, providing contractual advice and also assists clients with the preparation and defence of claims in adjudication. The presenters will provide a PowerPoint presentation which will be made available to all delegates on conclusion. |
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28/7/17
ANNUAL GOLF MATCH
The Annual SNIPEF Golf Match was held at Alyth Golf Club on 16 June. The organisers would like to extend their thanks to the team at Alyth for their hospitality, catering and the donation of two Four Ball vouchers as prizes. The course was in excellent condition and the weather was good. This year a total of 47 players and 12 teams entered as follows:
- William Dent & Son Ltd
- Malcolm McArthur & Son Ltd
- S & D Plumbing & Heating
- Nithsdale Plumbing & Heating Ltd
- Almondvale Plumbing & Heating Services Ltd
- Brown & Cordner Plumbing & Heating Engineer Ltd
- William J Newton Plumbing & Heating
- Pitkerro Plumbing & Heating Ltd
- Worcester Bosch
- Dundee & District Plumbing Employers' Association
- John Queen & Son Plumbers Ltd
- G D Mills Plumbing & Heating
Winners
Individual prizes
Endeavour - Greg Scott, G D Mills Plumbing and Heating
Nearest the Hole (7) - J.Clelland, Malcolm McArthur & Sons
Longest Drive (15) - S. Carberry, Brown & Cordner Plumbing and Heating
Individual - Tommy Thomson Cup
First Place - J Baggley, Malcolm McArthur & Sons
Second Place J Power, Nithsdale Plumbing and Heating
Team Prizes
First Place and winner of the Scottish Federation Cup - Malcolm McArthur & Son
B Stevenson, J. Clelland, J. Baggley and S Boyd
Second Place - Brown & Cordner Plumbing & Heating Ltd
W. Cordner, C Docherty, M King and S Carberry
Third Place - Dundee & District Plumbing Employers’ Association
J. Butter, N. McGill, A. Wallace and C. Finchley
29/6/17
TECHNICAL INSPECTOR FOR NORTH OF SCOTLAND
We’re looking for a Technical Inspector for the north of Scotland – see the Job Description and Person Specification below and apply through this link:
http://www.s1jobs.com/job/construction-trades-property/plumber/aberdeen/659327341.html
For the Job Description click here
For the Person Specification click here
9/6/17

SNIPEF TECHDAY 2017, MURRAYFIELD STADIUM, EDINBURGH
It’s only a month until SNIPEF TechDay 2017 on 26 May.
We have a fantastic line up of
exhibitors who are keen to meet up with SNIPEF members and talk you through
their products, come along and speak to:
1st Supplies
(Scotland) Ltd |
Daikin UK Ltd |
Kane International
Ltd |
TracPipe |
Adey Professional
Heating Solutions |
Dobies Heat
Centres |
OSO Hot Water |
TradePoint |
Altecnic Ltd |
Duradiamond
Ltd |
Parks Motor Group –
Renault vans |
Warmflow |
Baxi Heating
UK |
Energy Saving
Trust |
RA Tech UK
Ltd |
Wavin |
BPEC |
Fernox |
Recoil Knee
Pads |
William Wilson
Ltd |
Building Standards
Division |
Firebird Products
Ltd |
Sanha Ltd |
Wolseley UK
Ltd |
British Automatic Fire
Sprinkler Association |
Grundfos
Pumps |
Scottish
Water |
Worcester
Bosch |
Broadstone Risk &
Healthcare |
HETAS |
simPRO Software
Ltd |
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Clark Thomson |
Honeywell |
SNIPEF Edinburgh &
District Branch |
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Doors will open at 11.30am and the
programme will include presentations and workshops from: Gas Safe, R A Tech
(Hotun Dry Tap Tundish), Adey, BPEC & SNIPEF (industry training), BPEC
(legionella risk assessment) , Kane Gas Flue Analysers, SNIPEF (CDM regulations)
and Wolseley.
We’ll also have bathroom design software demonstrations as well as
a series of tailored sessions aimed specifically at firms operating the industry
pension scheme. These sessions will cover:
- flexible apportionment arrangements
- transfers
- new employees
- triggers
- pension implications of buying and selling a business
- succession planning.
We already have members signed up from across the country so
please support this new initiative and come along on the day.
27 April 2017
NEW ERA BEGINS FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN THE UK PLUMBING AND DOMESTIC HEATING INDUSTRY
In view of the imminent closure of SummitSkills, the Plumbing Industry’s leading organisations APHC, BPEC and SNIPEF have worked together to establish the Plumbing and Heating Skills Partnership (PHSP).
This new skills partnership will have a UK focus and be led by employers from the plumbing and heating industry; and will take over responsibility for the skills needs of the industry as from 01 April 2017. The PHSP will work closely with other industry and government organisations that have a keen interest in skills to help meet the needs of our industry.
Andrew Beaumont, Chairman of the APHC said:
“We are very much looking forward to the Plumbing and Heating Industry taking full responsibility for meeting the education and training needs of those who work in the industry”.
George Thomson, Chairman of BPEC reiterated this by further saying:
“We see the new Skills Partnership as a unique opportunity for employers to be at the very heart of identifying and meeting the skills needs in a complex and rapidly changing world”.
And Brian Warrender, President of SNIPEF, concluded by saying:
“We believe the PHSP represents an exciting new era for the Plumbing and Heating Industry and we are very much looking forward to the challenges ahead”.
The APHC, BPEC and SNIPEF on behalf of the plumbing industry would like to thank the staff at SummitSkills for leading on the development of the BSE sectors standards, qualifications and apprenticeships over many years.
More information on the Plumbing and Heating Skills Partnership will be available soon, in the meantime please contact any of the following if you would like further details:
APHC, John Thompson
E: info@aphc.co.uk
BPEC, Paul Johnson
E: info@bpec.org.uk
SNIPEF, Duncan Wilson
E: phsp@snipef.org
7/3/17
SNIPEF TECHDAY 2017
26 MAY,
MURRAYFIELD STADIUM, EDINBURGH
SNIPEF’s technical event will to be held in Edinburgh
in May. Come along and:
- learn about the very latest in technology from top manufacturers
- explore the exhibition area
- make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest statutory requirements
- find out how you can make the most of your membership with SNIPEF’s
excellent partner deals
- network with friends and colleagues in the industry
Further details will be circulated shortly. Register to ensure
your free priority delegate pass.
14/2/17
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