The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) have confirmed that they intend to merge this year.

In a statement UKCG and NSCC, said both organisations will formally vote on the merger in June 2015 and the new organisation, which will be led by current NSCC chief executive Suzannah Nichol, will be operational from 1 September 2015.

The joint statement also said that there is overwhelming support from members of both organisations to join up the contracting supply chain and the first meeting of a new Strategy Board has already taken place.

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.”