The National Specialist Contractors Council and UK Contractors Group have gained approval from members to draw up plans for a “joint initiative”.

A high-level working party will now set out detailed plans for a tie-up, which could go as far as a full blown merger or formation of a new alliance representing both interests of the powerful trade bodies.

The Enquirer understands that UKCG director Stephen Ratcliffe plans to retire this year and NSCC chief executive Suzannah Nichol is being lined up to lead a new body.

Specialist subcontractors and majors have attempted several times to speak with a single voice over the years. But worthy efforts to offer Government a united front have always foundered around the issue of payment.

The Government recently renewed its call for a cohesive voice as part of construction’s industrial strategy.

There have also been several attempts to stop abusing supply chain payment through the Government’s the Prompt Payment Code and Construction Supply Chain Payment Charter.

Although subcontractors maintain that late payment and ruses to avoid full payment are on the rise.

A deal between the groups would leave a important swathe of firms like building services and civil engineering contractors outside its remit.

But a cohesive voice representing the interest of tier 1 to tier 3 contractors would present a powerful lobbying voice to Government at a time when prompt payment and funding better training are serious concerns for industry’s major employers.