The upcoming merger between the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) will form a new representative organisation called Build UK.
It was confirmed in May 2015 that the two groups would unite after it was announced there is overwhelming support from members of both NSCC and UKCG to join up the contracting supply chain.
It is hoped that Build UK, which will bring together UKCG contractor members and trade associations currently in membership of either NSCC or UKCG, will be ideally placed to deliver changes in these key areas, and so improve conditions for the supply chain as well as the construction industry and its clients.
According to the NSCC, the Government has consistently called for a more unified voice from the industry and over the last year, NSCC and UKCG have found that they share a common position on a wide range of issues, including health and safety performance, skills shortages and the image of the industry. They have also worked together on the Construction Supply Chain Payment Charter and the industry-recognised logo for card schemes.
Kevin Louch, president of the NSCC, 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 Build UK offers the definite prospect of addressing major industry issues such as pre-qualification, skills and of course payment.”
An Interim Strategy Board comprising members of both NSCC and UKCG has been established to oversee the merger and the new organisation will be operational from September 1, 2015. Build UK will be chaired by Kevin Louch and James Wates, chairman of UKCG, and led by current NSCC chief executive, Suzannah Nichol.
James Wates said: “This is a huge step forward for the supply chain and, whilst there are some undeniable anxieties about how Build UK will function, all our discussions to date have been extremely positive.”
