Construction Confederation
In July 1997, a new Construction Confederation was launched as an umbrella organisation for:
- The National Federation of Builders (NFB);
- The Major Contractors Group (MCG)
- The National Contractors Federation (NCF)
- The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
- The Scottish Building Employers Federation (SBEF)
- The British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
- The Federation of Building Specialist Contractors (FBSC)
- The House Builders Federation (HBF).
- Building Employers Confederation.
It was believed that together they represented 5,000 member companies responsible for more than 75% of construction work in Great Britain.
Their mission was:
- To represent the common interests of constituent organisations.
- To negotiate appropriate agreements on behalf of constituent organisations and represent their interests in pan-industry bodies.
- To provide information and advice to member companies.
- To promote the interests of the industry.
Its first President was Martin Laing, chairman of John Laing plc.
Chief executive, Ian Deslandes, said: This new organisation will provide a unified and much more powerful voice with which to speak on behalf of one of Britain's largest and most important industries. It will enable construction, which accounts for half of Britain's total annual investment and is the largest single industry employer of labour; to punch its full weight in the quarters that matter. We are creating an entirely new organisation which will anticipate and meet our industry's needs in the 21st century.
However, the organisation rapidly fell apart as members such as the National Federation of Builders and the Civil Engineering Contractors' Association withdrew their support.
A £20m whole was then discovered in its pension fund, and in 2009, A judge has ordered that the Construction Confederation be wound-up so that its 500 employees could receive compensation. At the time, its Westminster headquarters building was believed to be worth up to £3m.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.