The study, conducted by ElectricalDirect, a specialist retailer of electrical products, surveyed 500 tradespeople about their views on the year ahead and found that, while there is a general acceptance that the landscape is difficult, some are cautiously optimistic. 

Out of all the trades surveyed, plumbers were the least likely to think they would have a good year in 2023, with just 7% of UK plumbers thinking this would be the case. However, 10% believe the industry will grow stronger over the coming months. 

Furthermore, 17% of plumbers think they’ll be better off financially in 2023, and 21% are looking to expand and hire new staff.  

However, with widespread societal issues, such as the cost of living crisis, affecting most UK households, some plumbers are naturally more wary about the next 12 months.  

All the respondents acknowledged that there will be challenges, and top of the list is the rising cost of materials (48%).  

The top five challenges for UK plumbers in 2023 are: 

1. 48% – the rising cost of materials 
2. 38% – rising fuel costs 
3. 38% – customers doing their own DIY work 
4. 38% – lack of work 
5. 34% – getting hold of materials.

Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at ElectricalDirect, said: “It’s been a really tough couple of years, both nationally and for the industry, but while many challenges remain, it’s encouraging to see that some tradespeople are feeling positive about the future as we approach 2023.