The HVCA has become a member of the UK Contractors' Group (UKCG), which represents the country's leading construction companies
Commenting on the HVCA decision, chief executive Robert Higgs said he was conscious government had criticised the construction industry for being 'fragmented, with a reputation for being adversarial'.

He went on to refer to recent comments attributed to government chief construction adviser Paul Morrell which suggested that he was 'sceptical about the industry's ability to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the low- and zero-carbon agenda'.

'My hope is that our relationship with UKCG will be seen as a positive indication that, when it comes to the really important, strategic issues, the industry can speak with a single, unified voice, and that any instances of 'fragmentation' - if they ever existed - are very much a thing of the past.'

UKCG chairman James Wates described the HVCA's decision to join UKCG as 'an important step'.

'The presence within UKCG of specialist engineering contractors will add weight to our activities,' Wates added.

'It has always been my ambition that the industry should speak with a more coherent voice. With UKCG growing from strength to strength and our links to the CBI, this is fast becoming a reality.'