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.
SNIPEF State of Trade Survey Q2 2026
The Q2 2026 State of Trade report remains Stable, but under increasing pressure. Trading activity continues across the profession and payment performance remains broadly manageable.
SNIPEF State of Trade Survey Q1 2026
The Q1 2026 State of Trade report remains Stable, but increasingly cautious. Trading activity has not fallen away, payment performance remains broadly consistent and product availability is manageable.
Delivering Heat Decarbonisation in Scotland
This report summarises evidence and recommendations from a heat pump industry roundtable convened by SNIPEF and Nesta at the Energy Training Academy in Dalkeith on 11 February 2026
Supporting Apprenticeships: Fixing Scotland’s skills shortage.
SNIPEF’s Supporting Apprenticeships: Fixing Scotland’s skills shortage manifesto sets out the urgent need to strengthen Scotland’s plumbing and heating skills pipeline through fairer funding, improved completion and sustained employer support.
Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 Thresholds
The Scottish Government’s consultation on procurement thresholds under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 sought views on whether existing financial thresholds for regulated procurement and community benefits should be amended to reflect inflation and changing delivery models in public contracting.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q4 2025
The Q4 State of Trade report remains Stable because workload and sentiment have improved modestly and cashflow has not deteriorated, while major disruption risks remain contained
Apprenticeships under Pressure (Employers Insights Research)
Apprenticeships Under Pressure: Why Scotland Must Act is SNIPEF’s comprehensive employer-insights report examining the state of plumbing and heating apprenticeships across Scotland.
Permitted Development Rights (PDR)
The Scottish Government’s Permitted Development Rights (PDR) consultation sought views on potential changes to planning rules to help tackle Scotland’s housing emergency and accelerate the rollout of low-carbon technologies, including air source heat pumps and heat networks.
Tackling late payments in business-to-business transactions
The UK Government’s Late Payment Consultation proposes new legislation to improve payment practices, including stricter reporting requirements for large firms, stronger enforcement powers for the Small Business Commissioner, and potential reforms to construction retentions.
SNIPEF State of Trade: Q3 2025
The Q3 2025 State of Trade for the plumbing and heating profession is rated Stable.
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