Latest State of Trade report reveals stability in the plumbing and heating profession amid growing pessimism towards the UK economy as businesses weigh up rising costs, policy uncertainty and skills shortages.

Demand for plumbing and heating professionals remains steady, with 44% of businesses feeling confident or very confident about the year ahead (this has fallen from 50% in Q4 and 54% in Q3). The data suggests that stability in trading conditions persists. Still, there are underlying concerns about future financial prospects on the back of the underwhelming Spring Statement and ongoing global economic uncertainty.

The report also revealed that 47% of plumbing and heating businesses now hold a pessimistic view of the UK economy, a significant increase in just six months, up from 19% in Q3 2024. This sharp rise reflects growing concern over rising employer costs, persistent workforce shortages, rising material prices and the lack of a clear economic strategy from the government.

Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of the Plumbing and Heating Federation, said: “Confidence in the economy has taken a real hit. Our members are managing current workloads but are increasingly uncertain about what lies ahead. The Spring Statement failed to provide the reassurance or clarity needed to plan with confidence.

“We urgently need an economic reset – one which places value on workforce development, ensures prompt and fair payment across the supply chain, and unlocks opportunity for small firms to grow and invest.”

Despite the gloomy outlook from a UK-wide economic perspective, the plumbing and heating profession showed resilience in terms of trading performance, marked by stable demand and opportunities. Some 47% of businesses indicated that workloads for the next six months are in line with expectations. A further 30% reported stronger-than-expected forward bookings, while 22% anticipate reduced demand. This reflected a strong, but slightly more cautious, short-term outlook than in Q4. In terms of profitability, 58% of businesses reported the same or increased profit margins. However, 39% of businesses experienced a decline, an 11% rise from Q4.

The Q1 2025 State of Trade report also highlighted additional challenges influencing current sentiment across the profession:

• Only 28% of businesses expect to increase staffing in the next six months
• 69% report low availability of skilled professionals in their area
• Only 22% are likely to recruit an apprentice in the coming year

These pressures, combined with political and economic uncertainty, have led to the overall State of Trade moving from ‘Stable to Strong’ in Q4 2024 to ‘Stable’ in Q1 2025, a subtle but important change in the profession’s collective outlook.

Hodgson added: “Our profession remains stable, and I commend our members for weathering the current economic climate to remain profitable despite the financial pressures that are being felt across the construction sector. They have been resilient and highly adaptable; but resilience is not infinite.

“If we’re to safeguard long-term strength across the plumbing and heating profession, we need joined-up action from all governments to reduce volatility, support business confidence and develop the workforce of the future.”

The State of Trade survey was conducted between 24 and 31 March 2025, with responses sought from more than 700 plumbing and heating member businesses and more than 50 affiliate and partner organisations of the Federation.

The full Q1 2025 State of Trade report can be found at: www.snipef.org/publications

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) announces that R-TECH Materials has once again secured its Gold Sponsor status for the highly anticipated Connect Conference 2025.

This year’s event, which will take place on September 16th and 17th at the prestigious Grand Hotel in Birmingham, promises to be an unmissable gathering for the bathroom industry.

Under the theme “Connect the Dots”, the conference will explore how collaboration across the sector – from manufacturers and supply chains to retailers and merchants – can foster sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. The event will spotlight partnerships, shared insights, and innovative strategies that help the industry thrive amidst modern challenges.

Tom Reynolds, Chief Executive of the BMA, welcomed R-TECH Materials’ continued support: “Welcoming R-TECH Materials again as a Gold Sponsor for our annual conference shows their unwavering support to the association and the wider industry.

“The bathroom sector has faced complex challenges in recent times, but with collaboration and a renewed focus, we have every reason to be optimistic about our prospects in 2025. This year’s conference is the ideal platform to bring people together, spark fresh thinking, and shape a stronger future for our industry.”

Dave Mumford, Managing Director of R-TECH Materials, commented: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Bathroom Manufacturers Association’s Connect Conference for the third consecutive year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the industry and engage with manufacturers who are committed to quality, innovation, and compliance.

“At R-TECH Materials, we understand how critical materials performance is to product reliability and meeting regulatory requirements—especially when it comes to demonstrating compliance with Regulation 4. Our accredited product testing services and deep materials expertise allow us to provide the evidence manufacturers need to show their products meet the necessary standards.

“For businesses without in-house materials expertise, our team is here to fill that gap. We work as an extension of your team—offering guidance, troubleshooting materials issues, and helping you navigate even the most complex compliance challenges.

“Through our continued partnership with the BMA, we’re proud to support a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready bathroom manufacturing sector.”

The conference will feature thought-provoking keynote speakers, including Alex Depledge and Anna Leach, engaging panel discussions, and exceptional networking opportunities. For sponsors, speakers, and attendees alike, the Connect Conference 2025 offers a unique platform to tackle shared challenges and unite the whole bathroom industry toward common goals.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit the official BMA Industry Conference website.