Publications and Consultation Responses
Welcome to the SNIPEF Publications and Consultation Responses hub – your primary resource for the latest industry research, economic data, and policy updates shaping the plumbing and heating profession.
Here, you can access our comprehensive quarterly State of Trade reports to track market confidence, supply chain trends and workforce challenges. You will also find our in-depth research and official government consultation responses on critical industry topics, ranging from apprenticeship funding and skills shortages to heat decarbonisation and procurement reform.
Whether you are an employer, an industry stakeholder, or a policymaker, these publications provide the evidence-based insights and expert analysis you need to stay informed and navigate the future of the plumbing and heating sector.
Heat & Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA)
The purpose of this consultation was to explore the creation of a new assessment framework to provide households with impartial, practical guidance on energy efficiency and low carbon retrofit options.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q2 2025
The Q2 2025 State of Trade for the plumbing and heating profession is rated Stable to Weak, marking the first slight move away from the steady conditions seen earlier in the year
Start at Home
The Q2 2025 State of Trade for the plumbing and heating profession is rated Stable to Weak, marking the first slight move away from the steady conditions seen earlier in the year
Review of Modern Apprenticeship delivery by SNIPEF Training Services
SNIPEF Training Services (STS) recently received an external review from HM Inspectors to evaluate the quality of provision for Modern Apprenticeship (MA) providers.
Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill
The purpose of this consultation was to simplify the funding landscape for post-school education and training. It was introduced on 5 February 2025.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q1 2025
The Q1 2025 State of Trade for the plumbing and heating profession is best described as Stable, marking a modest decline from the “Stable to Strong” performance seen in late 2024.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q4 2024
The Q4 2024 State of Trade results for the plumbing and heating profession remain Stable to Strong. Businesses reported steady or busier-than-expected trading conditions, and many achieved stable or improved profit margins through effective cost management despite ongoing increases in material prices.
Support for low carbon heating in residential buildings
The purpose of this consultation is to discuss a number of key questions and evaluate support options for low carbon heating technologies within the residential sector.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q3 2024
The Q3 2024 State of Trade results for the plumbing and heating profession are Stable to Strong.
Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: Solutions from the Industry
Supported by SNIPEF and 12 industry partners, this report calls for a fabric-first Retrofit Delivery Plan and dedicated ministerial leadership to help Scotland meet its net-zero and fuel poverty targets.
