National Specialist Contractors' Council
The National Specialist Contractors' Council (NSCC) aimed to bring together the common aims of specialist trade organisations within the construction industry and was the authoritative voice of specialist contractors in the UK.
Its membership included more than 30 specialist trade organisations representing businesses engaged in planning, design, construction, refurbishment, and maintenance in both the commercial and domestic sectors.
NSCC represented specialist contractors at a number of key industry forums. It also provided advice, guidance, information and support to specialist contractors on a wide range of topics designed to improve business performance and help them deliver quality, best value and integrated solutions to their clients.
It was co-owner of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), a card scheme for construction that certifies the holder has the appropriate training, experience and qualifications for their work (in particular in relation to health and safety).
On 25 June 2015, the UK Contractors’ Group (UKCG) and National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC) confirmed that they would merge to create Build UK, ‘…a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction’ to ‘…improve conditions for the supply chain, the wider industry and its clients.’
This followed calls from the government for a single, unified voice from the construction industry, combined with an increasing realisation that the UKCG and NSCC held similar positions in a number of key areas.
Build UK launched on 1 September 2015, led by Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol MBE (current NSCC Chief Executive). See Build UK for more information.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.