The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) have approved a merger of the two organisations to provide a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction.
The new organisation, Build UK, will bring together 28 of the industry’s largest main contractors and nearly 40 leading trade associations representing over 11,500 specialist contractors.
Build UK will represent a major force within the industry and offer the opportunity to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects. The new organisation will focus on key industry issues that will deliver change and improve conditions for the supply chain, the wider industry and its clients. The priority issues that have been identified are fair payment, image of the industry, health and safety, pre-qualification, and training and skills.
Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Nick Boles said: “For businesses and Government, an investment in construction is an investment in improving UK productivity. The creation of Build UK is a very welcome development and places them in an influential position to continue improving performance across the sector.”
In a joint statement the new co-chairmen of Build UK, Kevin Louch and James Wates, both said: “Our discussions in the run up to the merger have clearly shown that we share a common position on the majority of issues such as image, skills, health and safety, and procurement. Both Government and our clients have been waiting for a joined up approach from the industry and, as a single organisation for the contracting supply chain, we will pack a powerful punch and have a real chance to make some big changes.”
Build UK, which will be led by chief executive Suzannah Nichol with the support of deputy chief executive Jo Fautley, will be operational from 1 September 2015. Existing NSCC and UKCG members are transferring to Build UK and will be entitled to use the appropriate variant of the Build UK logo.
