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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.