SNIPEF

SNIPEF has published the Q1 State of Trade report, assessing trading performance, payment practices, profit margins, supply chain issues and the profession’s future outlook from an employer’s
perspective.

The latest State of Trade reveals that the plumbing and heating profession remains on a stable footing as trading conditions remained steady overall despite rising input costs and persistent cashflow challenges.

Confidence in the profession remains relatively strong but is showing signs of softening. However, optimism about the UK economy continues to decline, with nearly half of respondents expressing pessimism.

Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF Chief Executive, said: "Following two consecutive quarters of stable to strong trading conditions, the plumbing and heating profession entered 2025 on a more cautious footing.

"The overall state of trade has settled at a stable level, reflecting softer business confidence, tightening profit margins, and persistent workforce and payment challenges.

"Despite these pressures, the profession continues to demonstrate resilience, particularly among smaller, domestic-focused businesses.

SNIPEF would like to thank members who took part in the survey – your responses have been invaluable to us in understanding the key issues affecting the profession and driving our future interactions with Government and media.

Read the full report here