The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) has agreed a merger deal which will see the formation of a new trade body representing both major and subcontractors.


The agreement will be formally ratified by both parties next month with the new body anticipated to be operating by September 2015.


The new merged trade organisation will be headed up by the Chief Executive of NSCC Suzannah Nichol.


President of NSCC Kevin Louch said: “I believe that by sitting around the same table we will be able to have honest conversations about how projects can be delivered more effectively and there is the definite prospect of addressing major industry issues such as pre-qualification, skills and of course payment.”


Chairman of UKCG James Wates said: “This is a huge step forward for the supply chain and, whilst there are some undeniable anxieties about how the new organisation will function, all our discussions to date have been extremely positive.”


There have been a number of occasions in which the two bodies have found it difficult to speak with a unified voice, especially when presenting the industry to the government. With the unification of the industry’s two leading trade bodies it’s hoped the new government will be better at representing and lobbying on behalf of tier 1 to tier 3 contractors on issues as varied as payment terms, funding and better training.

 

With the many frustrations in the construction industry, from contractors being paid late, to the skills shortages and how to tackle the housing crisis it's important construction communicates a conmsistent message to government in order to strengthen the relationship.