New name for trade associations after they merge in September

UKCG NSCC

‘Build UK’ has been chosen as the name for the combined trade association that will be formed by the merger of the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) and the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) in September.

The two organisations confirmed they had agreed to merge earlier this month.

UKCG and NSCC, which represent tier one contractors and specialist contractors respectively, said their membership would formally vote on the merger plan in June, but said there was “overwhelming support” among members.

NSCC chief executive Suzannah Nichol will lead the combined body if it is backed by members, with UKCG director Stephen Ratcliffe stepping down in June.

Kevin Louch, president of 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 there is the definite prospect of addressing major industry issues such as pre-qualification, skills and of course payment.”

James Wates, chairman of UKCG, 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.”