Our latest research into the UK Plumbing and Hard FM Contractors Market shows a sector worth over £27 billion in 2024, forecast to grow to £32.5 billion by 2029. The scale and complexity of retrofitting both residential and non-residential buildings mean that plumbing contractors and facilities management providers are now on the front line of decarbonisation.
The UK’s ageing building stock is one of the country’s greatest obstacles in the journey towards net zero. With over 80% of the buildings we’ll be using in 2050 already built, retrofitting has become a national priority. But beyond the headlines about insulation and heat pumps, a less visible force is quietly enabling this transformation: plumbing and hard FM contractors.
The Quiet Cornerstone of Retrofit
Several forces are driving growth:
- Government incentives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- The emergence of smart buildings and digital plumbing innovations
- Increased investment in infrastructure and non-residential buildings such as data centres, which are central to the UK’s AI ambitions
- Pressure to improve the efficiency of public buildings, housing stock, and commercial premises
Smart homes are becoming the norm in urban areas, and with them comes a need for integrated plumbing and FM systems that can respond to both sustainability and convenience expectations.
Challenges Creating New Opportunities
As with many parts of the construction sector, labour shortages continue to bite. A high proportion of plumbing contractors are small firms or sole traders, with many nearing retirement age. This is opening space for new market entrants and creating a growing demand for upskilling and apprenticeships.
Meanwhile, hard FM providers are increasingly expected to deliver bundled services across multiple building systems — from energy management to waste handling and grounds maintenance. This demand for integrated, high-tech solutions has catalysed a shift toward innovation and strategic partnerships.
A Sector Worth Watching
With projected growth of 16% by 2029, the plumbing and hard FM market is no longer just a back-office maintenance function. It’s a strategic enabler of the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Suppliers, facilities managers, technology developers, and investors should all take note. Whether you’re looking to bid into retrofit frameworks or launch a new water-saving product, understanding this market is critical.
Our latest report provides in-depth data, forecasts, regional breakdowns, key player profiles, and technology trends. It’s designed to support those navigating this evolving sector with insight, confidence, and clarity.
“This report offers a granular assessment of the UK plumbing and hard FM market at a time when policy, regulation and infrastructure investment are reshaping demand profiles across the built environment. By focusing on the structural drivers behind sector growth — from carbon mitigation requirements to smart asset management and lifecycle performance — the report supports informed strategic planning for both market entrants and incumbent operators.”
– Anne Williams, Editor of the report.
Plumbing and Hard FM Contractors Market Report by Barbour ABI
This report offers up-to-date market sizing, growth forecasts, and a clear segmentation between domestic plumbing contractors and hard FM service providers. Drawing on both primary and secondary research, the report explores the impact of economic pressures, regulatory change, technological innovation, and regional construction output on market performance.
Click below to view this report on our store website where you can see an exhaustive list of the table of contents, commentary, and more.
