The latest Q1 State of Trade report from SNIPEF reveals that the plumbing and heating profession has maintained a stable trading performance despite facing increasing input costs and ongoing cashflow challenges.

The report assesses various aspects of the industry from an employer's perspective, including trading performance, payment practices, profit margins, supply chain issues, and future outlook.

While confidence within the plumbing and heating profession remains relatively robust, the report indicates a softening trend. Furthermore, optimism regarding the broader UK economy continues to decline, with nearly half of respondents expressing a pessimistic outlook.

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Fiona Hodgson, SNIPEF Chief Executive, commented: "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 expressed its gratitude to members who participated in the survey, noting that their responses are invaluable in understanding the key issues impacting the profession and shaping the organisation's future engagement with government and the media.

The full report can be read here.