The appointment promotes Ms Lowe from the post of acting chief executive, which she has undertaken for the past 18 months, with immediate effect.

Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, said: “Over the last 18 months, Stephanie has impressed the SNIPEF Board by bringing clarity, structure, focus, and drive in helping the organisation and its members through the difficult pandemic years.

“Apart from her evident passion, energy, and commitment to SNIPEF and the plumbing profession, Stephanie’s experience will assist me in continuing to improve SNIPEF and realise its new strategy beyond this year’s centenary celebrations.”

Stephanie Lowe said: “Over the years, I have been impressed by the quality of the people, strength of culture and desire to build stronger industry relations for employers and plumbing operatives alike.

“I am excited to continue my close working relationship with Fiona, helping her to implement our new corporate strategy and ensure SNIPEF remains relevant to the profession that it has represented and supported since 1923.”

Stephanie joined SNIPEF as industrial relations officer in 2006 and has held a variety of executive, operations, and project leadership roles, including Secretary to the Scottish and Northern Ireland Joint Industry Board. Most recently, she was appointed acting chief executive to support the SNIPEF chief executive, Fiona Hodgson, during her absence.