The Trades Are Changing Fast - And These Insights Matter Even More as We Head Into 2026
Reflections on the Simpro + Quietly Trades Outlook Report
The Hidden Cost of Growing Without Systems
The Simpro + Quietly Trades Outlook Report was released earlier this year, but reading it again now, a few months later, the insights feel even more relevant as we head toward 2026. In fact, many of the trends it highlighted have only become clearer in the work I’m seeing every day with trade businesses here in NZ.
The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities for the businesses that get their systems right.
1. Labour shortages aren’t slowing down and efficiency has to fill the gap
The report predicted a significant generational shift: 41% of the trades workforce in the U.S. will retire by 2031, with the UK on a similar path. And while the numbers differ for NZ, the pattern doesn’t.
A few months on, we’re still seeing the same reality: Hiring is tough. Teams are stretched. Everyone is busy.
As 2026 approaches, efficiency isn’t optional - it’s the only way to stay ahead.
2. Customer expectations have changed permanently
The report highlighted that customer expectations, especially around transparency and communication, have risen sharply thanks to a mobile-first world.
That hasn’t slowed down. If anything, the expectation for fast updates, digital approvals, and clear communication has grown.
Customers judge service quality by the clarity of your systems.
If the experience feels clunky, they feel it.
**3. Most businesses have software.
Very few have systems that actually work.**
Even months after reading the report the first time, this continues to show up everywhere:
Businesses using 5–10 platforms
80% struggling to implement or integrate them
98% saying data centralisation is a priority, but many not knowing where to start
4. The KPIs that matter heading into 2026 all rely on reliable systems
Across regions, the report identified the top KPIs as:
financial health
operational efficiency
customer retention
utilisation
service efficiency
A few months on, I’d say these continue to be the areas where businesses either get ahead or fall behind.
Good data supports all of these. And good data only comes from good systems.
5. AI is becoming more practical, but only where systems are strong
The report noted that trades leaders weren’t afraid of AI; they saw it as a useful tool for things like:
scheduling
workflow optimisation
real-time insights
predictive maintenance
That prediction is proving true. AI features are becoming more common, but they only work when the underlying data is complete and accurate.
AI doesn’t replace systems. It depends on them.
“Having software” and “having a functioning system” are two very different things and the gap becomes more obvious as businesses grow.
What all of this means heading into 2026
Looking back at the report with the benefit of a few months’ hindsight, the pattern is clear:
Trade businesses aren’t struggling because of lack of demand. They’re struggling because their systems, processes, and data aren’t keeping up with their growth.
This often shows up as:
profit that looks fine in reports but not in the bank
jobs running over without clear reasons
missing hours and materials
slow invoicing
unclear workflows
breakdowns between office and field
fragmented data across multiple tools
None of this requires dramatic change. It just requires structured systems that support the way the business actually works.
Where this connects with e2e
A lot of what the report highlighted aligns with what I’m seeing day-to-day.
At e2e, we work with trade businesses that are trying to grow, but keep running into roadblocks caused by gaps in their systems. And usually, it isn’t about replacing everything. It’s about:
tightening templates
aligning field and office
cleaning up workflows
capturing all hours and materials
improving visibility
setting up Simpro properly
helping teams feel confident using the tools they already have
Small, practical changes that make the whole business run smoother.
Heading into 2026, these kinds of improvements are becoming even more important as expectations rise and complexity grows.
If any of these challenges sound familiar, our team at e2e works with trade businesses every day to strengthen systems, improve visibility, and reduce complexity.