The National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) and UK Contractors Group (UKCG) confirmed their intention to proceed with a merger following weeks of discussions.

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.

President of NSCC Kevin Louch 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.”

Chairman of UKCG James Wates 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.”

NSCC and UKCG 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.