SNIPEF

October 1, 2025

The Q3 2025 State of Trade for the plumbing and heating profession is rated Stable. After a softer second quarter, trading conditions have steadied, supported by a firmer pipeline of work and broadly resilient cashflow. Forward order books show a clear improvement, with more businesses reporting higher than expected workloads and fewer reporting lower than expected demand.

Cost pressures remain persistent. Almost all firms continue to face rising input prices, although most increases are described as slight rather than significant. Product availability is generally serviceable and project delays remain mostly minor, helping businesses maintain operational continuity despite ongoing inflationary strain.

Confidence within the profession has held steady on the quarter, although sentiment remains cooler than this time last year. Views of the wider UK economy are notably more pessimistic, reflecting the national backdrop of weak business confidence, modest growth and ongoing cost of living pressures.

Workforce capacity continues to be a challenge. Hiring intentions have steadied but remain cautious and firms are particularly hesitant to increase the number of plumbing and heating operatives they employ. Apprenticeship recruitment is subdued and the availability of skilled professionals remains tight across most regions.

Overall, Q3 presents a picture of a profession that has regained some footing after mid-year softening. Trading is stable, pipelines are firmer and operational pressures are manageable, yet the sector remains constrained by rising costs, skills shortages and a subdued national economic outlook.