UKCG and NSCC confirm merger plan

Trade associations the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) and the National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) have confirmed they are to merge, with the combined body launching from 1 September 2015.

In a joint statement, 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, as previously announced.

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.”