Subcontractor vs supplier
Traditionally, the distinction between a supplier and a subcontractor was that a supplier provided goods only, whereas a subcontractor provided goods and services.
However, this apparently clear distinction has become blurred by the increasing complexity of the construction supply chain and the emergence of practices such as off-site fabrication in which the provision of complex fabricated goods might include elements of construction work that would previously have been considered a service carried out by a subcontractor.
The UK government has now broadened the term ‘supplier’ to mean any ‘…provider of services or goods either directly to the employer or to another supplier in a supply chain’ (ref. PAS 1192-2 (now replaced by BS EN ISO 19650)).
This catch all definition includes; contractors, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers and service providers who might all now be described as ‘suppliers’.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Contractor.
- Contractor vs supplier.
- Domestic sub-contractor.
- Integrated supply team.
- Invoice.
- Named sub-contractor.
- Nominated sub-contractor
- PAS 1192-2.
- Procurement route.
- Products v goods v materials.
- Specialist contractors.
- Specialist subcontractor.
- Sub-consultant.
- Subcontractor.
- Supplier.
- Supplier selection.
- Supply chain.
- Supply chain management.
- Trade contractor.
- Works contractor.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.