The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) are joining forces as a new organisation called Build UK.

The new organisation brings together 28 of the industry’s largest main contractors and nearly 40 leading trade associations representing 11,500 specialist contractors. It aims to provide a strong, collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction.

Build UK aims to be a major force in the industry to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects. Its plan is to focus on key industry issues that will deliver change and improve conditions for the supply chain, the wider industry and its clients.

Priority issues are fair payment, the image of the industry, health & safety, pre-qualification requirements and training & skills.

Nick Boles, the Minister of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, says of the new, combined organisation:  “The creation of Build UK is a very welcome development and places them in an influential position to continue improving performance across the sector.”

The joint Chairmen of Build UK are Kevin Louch and James Wates. In a statement they say: “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 & 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. We have a real chance to make some big changes.”

Build UK will be managed by Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE with the support of Deputy Chief Executive Jo Fautley. It comes into being officially on 1 September. Existing NSCC and UKCG members automatically transfer to Build UK and will be entitled to use the appropriate variant of the Build UK logo.