Twenty-eight major firms from the UK Contractors Group signed up to Build UK on Tuesday with the crucial vote of nearly 40 trade bodies from within the National Specialist Contractors Council, representing over 11,500 firms, agreeing the deal yesterday.
Build UK is being set up to offer a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain with the wider aim of improving conditions for the industry and its clients.
Business, Innovation and Skills minister Nick Boles said: “For businesses and Government an investment in construction is an investment in improving UK productivity.
“The creation of Build UK is a very welcome development and places them in an influential position to continue improving performance across the sector.”
Joint chairmen of Build UK, Kevin Louch and James Wates, both said: “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 and 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 and have a real chance to make some big changes.”
Build UK will be led by chief executive Suzannah Nichol MBE when it becomes operational on 1 September 2015 and all members can use appropriate Build UK logos.