SNIPEF

Join SNIPEF for our upcoming webinar on Industry Standard Update 133: Tightness Testing, presented by Gary McNeil, Technical Advisor & Trainer at SNIPEF.

This practical 45-minute session will break down the key changes introduced in Update 133, including the move from traditional meter-based gas tightness testing to a volume-based approach.

Designed for gas engineers and contractors across Scotland and Northern Ireland, the webinar will explain what’s changing, why it matters, and how to apply the updated guidance correctly on site.

Gary will also cover common compliance pitfalls and provide clear, practical advice to help engineers navigate the transition with confidence.

✔️ Understand the key changes in Update 133
✔️ Gain clarity on updated tightness testing and purging procedures
✔️ Avoid common compliance mistakes during the transition period

Whether you work on domestic or commercial installations, this session will help you stay compliant, confident and up to date.

Sign up to the free webinar here 👇
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The Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition has long been recognised as a flagship event in Scotland’s apprenticeship calendar📅

Hosted this year by West College Scotland, SPAY provides a platform for the next generation and highlights the vital role apprentices play in supporting the national economy, its infrastructure, the health and welfare of the population, as well as the nation’s low-carbon ambitions.

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Employers play a vital role in supporting apprentices to take part in events such as the Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) Competition.

Scott Murphy, Director & Co-Founder at Installs - Plumbing and Heating, whose apprentice is competing in the Lead category at SPAY 2026, shared:

“Reaching SPAY is something we’re incredibly proud of as a business. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our apprentices, as well as the support from the whole team around them.

From an employer's perspective, it is rewarding to see young people develop their skills, professionalism, and mindset through opportunities like this.

Competitions like SPAY really showcase what’s possible and highlight plumbing and heating as a long-term, skilled and rewarding career path for young people across Scotland.”

Steve Craig has been appointed as SNIPEF’s 102nd President at the association’s 2026 AGM, held at Discovery Point in Dundee. Steve succeeds Duncan Sharp and will serve as President for the 2026/27 year.

In his inaugural address, Steve outlined his vision for his presidency, placing engagement at the heart of his agenda. He said: “I want to get out and speak with members, listen to their concerns, understand the pressures they face, and ensure they feel connected to SNIPEF and the wider profession.

“Real growth comes from strengthening the relationship between SNIPEF and its members, ensuring they feel involved, informed and able to contribute to the future direction of the organisation.”

Steve also highlighted the important role Local Associations play in representing members, sharing local knowledge and helping deliver SNIPEF’s wider ambitions across Scotland.

“The profession needs SNIPEF to be focused, confident and united,” he added.

“Our members expect an organisation that is practical in its support, clear in its purpose and committed to representing their needs. Government and stakeholders need to hear a strong, credible and consistent voice from our profession.

“My message is straightforward: engage with us, work with us and help us shape the future of the profession together. SNIPEF is strongest when its members are active, informed and connected.”

SNIPEF’s 2026 Annual General Meeting at Discovery Point, Dundee, is now underway.

We are delighted to welcome members, affiliates and industry partners from across Scotland and Northern Ireland for a day of engagement, discussion and reflection on the year gone by.

The AGM provides an important opportunity to review the challenges and achievements that have shaped the plumbing and heating sector over the past 12 months, while also looking ahead to the priorities, opportunities and strategic direction for the year ahead.

We would like to thank everyone attending today’s event, as well as our exhibiting affiliates and partners for their continued support.

We’re thrilled to be working with West College Scotland, which is hosting the 51st Scottish Plumbing Apprentice of the Year (SPAY) competition at its Paisley campus on 12 June. 👏

Our continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing future talent, supporting apprentices, and strengthening Scotland’s skilled workforce for years to come.

The Q1 2026 State of Trade report has been published 📃

The latest State of Trade shows that trading activity across the plumbing and heating profession remains 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, but businesses are becoming increasingly cautious.

Workloads have remained steady and payment performance continues to be broadly consistent. However, weaker forward order books, tightening profit margins and ongoing cost pressures are creating a more challenging trading environment.

Businesses continue to report active levels of demand, although work is less evenly distributed across the profession. Forward work pipelines remain positive overall but are less assured than in previous quarters, while material and product cost inflation continues to place significant pressure on profitability.

Confidence in the profession has softened, reflecting concerns around future growth and workforce capacity. Confidence in the wider UK economy remains significantly weaker, highlighting ongoing uncertainty around investment and business planning.

Read the full State of Trade Q1 report here 👇
https://snipef.org/publications/

⏰ Don't miss out - SNIPEF AGM 2026 is this Friday!

SNIPEF members are invited to join us at Discovery Point, Dundee, on Friday, 5 June, for our Annual General Meeting.

This year's event is more than formal business. It's your chance to connect with fellow members, meet industry partners, hear about the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, and help shape the future direction of SNIPEF.

The day will include:
🔹 AGM and business review
🔹 Lunch and networking with exhibitors
🔹 Appointment of Office Bearers and Presentation of Chains
🔹 Drinks reception sponsored by Marsh Commercial

We will also formally inaugurate Steve Craig as SNIPEF President for 2026-27.

If you haven't registered yet, there's still time, we'd love to see you there.

Sign up here 👉 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=zW7XiniPck2ODLL7n7usfr8jhYjgGfRPqOWZAn32B6dUMUJQMkhCV0lORlJBVkw5UlRGNVRFSkFOOC4u

SNIPEF is pleased to welcome a new Affiliate to the family, Lindab UK

Lindab is a leading ventilation company, offering solutions for energy-efficient ventilation and a healthy indoor climate in Europe. The products are characterised by high quality, ease of installation and environmental thinking. Lindab also has an extensive range of roofing and rainwater systems.

We are delighted to have them on board!

Find out more here 👉 https://www.lindab.co.uk/

Our partner TradePoint has announced a discount boost for card holders.

From Monday, 1 June, SNIPEF members who use their TradePoint card will receive a 12.5% discount instead of the usual 10%.

To see other offers available, members can visit www.trade-point.co.uk

Don't have a TradePoint card? Members can click here to sign up (login required) 👇
https://snipef.org/tradepoint-card-application/