CC announces new executive chairman

The Construction Confederation (CC) has appointed Manus Adamson as its new executive chairman, as CC chief executive Stephen Ratcliffe and chair James Wates step down from their roles at the organisation.

Wates and Ratcliffe will become chairman and director respectively at the UK Contractors Group (UKCG).

Adamson, whose appointment at the CC takes effect in December 2008, is chairman of Lancashire-based construction firm Adamson Group.

The moves come at a time of confusion and fragmentation for the various bodies representing construction, as the Major Contractors Group (MCG) and National Contractors Federation (NCF) form the UKCG separately from the CC, and the British Woodworking Federation also confirmed that its CC membership will terminate in 2009.

Adamson said: "The Construction Confederation is going through a period of inevitable realignment as industry representation settles into a new shape following the creation of the CBI Construction Council and the transformation of the MCG and NCF into the UK Contractors Group."

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), still a member of the CC, said it welcomed the Adamson's appointment.

CECA Director Rosemary Beales said: “Manus has considerable experience in the industry and we welcome his appointment which ensures the CC will continue to be a representative presence in the construction industry."

Meanwhile the UKCG announced that it will formally come into being on 5 January 2009 and confirmed that its first trade association member will be the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC),

It said its aim was to be the leading trade body for UK contractors and would work closely with the CBI Construction Council.

Commenting on the formation of the UKCG Wates said: "At a time when economic conditions are becoming more challenging we need a voice that will be heard above the fray. This is the first step in delivering a single voice for the industry. I urge everyone who has been frustrated by industry fragmentation to come and join us.”