The UK’s plumbers and electricians are among trades having optimistic business outlooks for 2016 as a result of expected high business levels, increased enquiries for work and confidence in the wider national economy, according to leading trade supplier, Plumbfix.
Positivity across the nation’s tradespeople was revealed in the latest Trade Pulse report from Plumbfix’s umbrella organisation, Screwfix. The majority of those questioned said they expect business to remain at the same level or to improve in the year ahead.
When compared to 12 months ago, more than one third are providing more quotes for potential work and nearly half of tradespeople reported that business is better.
The findings also revealed that nearly half are currently busier than expected and 14% say there is too much work to handle.
Confidence in the UK’s general economy is also strong. The majority think it will stay the same or improve in the year ahead and 54% believe it has improved over the last 12 months.
Screwfix Trade Pulse is a monthly index which surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople, including plumbers, to track work levels and optimism among the trade. The retailer undertakes the research to gain greater insight into the needs of its customers to ensure it provides the services and products required.
Andrew Livingston, CEO of Plumbfix, said: “2016 looks set to continue from a busy 2015 for the nation’s tradespeople and many are feeling great optimism for the year ahead. This is very positive and certainly reflects the feedback we’ve seen from customers in our Plumbfix trade counters, which are exclusive to qualified plumbers.”