About us
Construction Alliance North East was formed in 2015 initially to enable regional contractors to share one voice and develop a structure to support local procurement.
Our three key pillars
Representing a network of 500 North East businesses, we lobby to Governmental and Local Authority figures for fairer procurement practices for the betterment of our region’s economy.
The organisation has since developed and everything we do is now underpinned by the three pillars of CAN:-
- Intelligent Procurement – We seek a “levelling up” in procurement processes to allow our regional companies to deliver more local projects. Procurement processes in the industry have for too long disadvantaged regional companies. We aim to put this right.
- Fair Payment – we seek to harmonise payment terms up and down the supply chain so they are fair and equitable for everyone
- Skills and Training – To promote a sustainable North East industry by continuing to develop a directly employed workforce.
Who is behind CAN?
CAN was founded when Government policy and procurement processes were deemed to isolate regional SME contracting businesses from particularly public sector procurement. The four organisations which make up the CAN board are the Northern Counties Builders Federation, Civil Engineering Contractors Association, the Federation of Master Builders, and the National Federation of Builders.
As a collective, the board meets regularly to proactively engage at a strategic level with key players in the North East construction sector.
The strength of CAN is the collaborative way in which these four organisations work together for the benefit of members and the collective strength of the members.
The Board members are motivated by the needs of regional companies and strive tirelessly to achieve a “levelling up” for North East contractors. The CAN Board sets strategy and produces quarterly plans to campaign in the region with board members focussing on particular initiatives. Board members regularly meet with MP’s, Local Authorities and other key individuals and organisations to promote local companies.
Meet the board members
Each organisation is strongly represented on the board by key people who contribute individually and collectively, offering a range of skills and also a perspective from both a regional and, importantly, a national position. The board draws on the knowledge from each of the four organisations that make up CAN which helps set the agenda in the region.
Meet the boardCivil Engineering Contractors Association
The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), is the representative body for companies which work day-to-day to deliver, upgrade, and maintain the country’s infrastructure.
With more than 300 members split across eight regions, CECA represents firms who, together, carry out an estimated 70-80 per cent of all civil engineering activity in the UK, in the key sectors of transport, energy, communications, waste and water.
CECA represents civil engineering contractors building and maintaining the UK’s critical infrastructure networks in transport, energy, water, waste and communications.
Currently CECA (North East), represents over 85 civil engineering companies of all sizes. It liaises with all bodies, departments, authorities, regional organisations and other sectors of industry that relate to the work of its members.
CECA Website linkNorthern Counties Builders Federation
NCBF was established in 1898, bringing together companies within the construction industry to meet and discuss issues and concerns of the day.
During the ensuing years NCBF became the regional arm of the National Federation of Building Trades Employers and following NFBTE’s metamorphosis, it became a standalone entity in 1992.
Since then, NCBF has accumulated a portfolio of assets which have given it a solid investment potential. These funds have been invested in conjunction with the NCBF’s financial advisers and from this, dividends are received.
NCBF and its members are passionate about the construction industry and wish to bestow reward on those willing and able to promote the benefits of a career within construction. This is achieved through a range of initiatives and donations to North East colleges, schools and the Builders Benevolent Institution.
NCBF Website linkThe Federation of Master Builders
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK’s largest trade association in the building industry, with national offices in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, supported by additional regional offices.
Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized building firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit-making, lobbying continuously for members’ interests at both national and local levels.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for building firms right across the UK. It also offers practical advice and support to the general public on choosing and working with the right builder.
FMB Website linkNational Federation of Builders
The National Federation of Builders provides members with collective clout and credibility backed by more than 150 years of experience and activity. Built on solid foundations, the NFB provides business and policy support to builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales.
Today, the NFB is a modern, proactive organisation that has steadily built up a reputation for sound judgement, high media profile and robust approach to protecting your interests. For companies involved in the building and construction industry the NFB provides vital resources in key areas, helps members to win work and saves them time and money so that they can focus on their primary task – construction.
The NFB’s vision is to be the influential voice for construction, creating the environment for business to thrive and contribute to the success of the UK economy.
NFB Website link