One interesting take on getting a plumber round, is that many of these firms, or sole traders, prefer work to boilers etc., rather than basic shower fitting or replacing taps! We've had three small jobs at home over the past few years, and they've all told us the same story!
I don't have a problem with that really, because I sometimes wish I'd taken on that particular trade, but they deserve every job they can get, simply because most citizens won't touch it, unlike a bit of carpentry or decoration!
We have a local man who has fitted two great shower jobs for chums, and when we asked him if he could see to ours sometime, he was charming and friendly, but put us on a waiting list for well after the New Year has started! Luckily, we can wait that sort of time (hopefully the old one will last until then)...