Duncan Sharp has been appointed as the 101st President of SNIPEF (Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation), taking office with a focus on confronting ongoing industry challenges, including the workforce crisis and apprenticeship funding.

His presidency, running from 06 June 2025 to 05 June 2026, aims to champion a future-ready plumbing and heating industry amidst the transition to net-zero.

Expressing his honour in the appointment, Sharp stated: "Becoming SNIPEF President is a great honour for me, and I see it as an opportunity to give something back to a profession that gave me a livelihood. I am excited and motivated to see how we can move forward for the benefit of our members and what we can do to deliver positive change to the plumbing and heating profession."

Sharp brings over 50 years of experience to the role, having begun his career as an apprentice with Scottish Gas. He gained extensive hands-on expertise in gas central heating systems, progressing to system design and providing technical support. His career also includes sales and technical consultancy roles at Sunvic and ACL, where he rose to UK Sales Director, managing a team of 35 and overseeing a £70m turnover. In 2002, driven by a belief in renewable energy, he founded his own company, Grange Energy Services Limited.

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In recent years, Sharp has expanded his contributions through leadership and governance, serving as a Director on the SNIPEF Board since May 2023 and a Director/Trustee of BPEC since July 2024. His presidency will emphasize growth across all facets of the organization and the profession, including membership, individual careers, business development, SNIPEF's recognition, and its relationship with the government.

"Growth is really the key for me, and it touches every part of the profession," Sharp explained. "It's about growth for everyone in the industry – individuals, their businesses, the membership, the recognition SNIPEF should have and our relationship with government. But it's also to inspire greater ambition and confidence within plumbing and heating businesses, large and small, to embrace new opportunities and tackle the demands of a low-carbon future."

Sharp is also dedicated to addressing the industry's current challenges, particularly the shortage of skilled workers and the viability of apprentice recruitment due to rising costs. "I want to be part of the drive to break this cycle, ensuring the next generation continues to have access to career prospects and that our employers do not see apprentice recruitment as a risk, but an opportunity," he stated, vowing to play an active role in SNIPEF's ongoing lobbying efforts for increased support.

Sharp concluded by acknowledging SNIPEF's century-long history as the voice of the plumbing and heating profession and urged the organisation to "rise to the moment once again" as it looks to the future.