SNIPEF State of Trade: Q1 2025
April 1, 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. Trading conditions remained steady overall, though fewer businesses reported being busier than expected and more cited quieter periods. Profit margins showed signs of strain amid rising input costs and persistent cashflow challenges.
Ongoing pressures include payment delays, especially for those dealing with Tier One and Two contractors, and a persistent shortage of skilled professionals. Confidence in the profession remains relatively strong but is showing signs of softening. Meanwhile, optimism about the UK economy continues to decline, with nearly half of respondents expressing pessimism.
Employment intentions remain subdued. Most businesses are not planning to hire or recruit apprentices in the short term, which continues to challenge long-term workforce sustainability. As in previous quarters, smaller, domestic-focused firms remain the most resilient, benefiting from more reliable workflows and customer relationships, while larger businesses face greater volatility from market and operational disruptions.
