The Structural Timber Association (STA) is encouraging its members to sign up to the Supply Chain Payment Charter, published by the Construction Leadership Council.

At its annual general meeting on Wednesday (21 May), the STA confirmed that it is joining the National Specialists Contractors Council (NSCC) and announced its support for the NSCC Fair Payment Campaign. The campaign is calling for proper and timely payment and the elimination of retentions throughout the supply chain to improve the quality and delivery of construction projects.

“The STA has joined the NSCC and fully supports the aims of the Council,” said Andrew Carpenter, chief executive of the STA. “We are asking all our members to consider signing up to the aims of its Fair Payment Campaign, as well as asking their contractors and customers to do the same.

“With so many small businesses within the construction industry, measures such as the Supply Chain Payment Charter are imperative, and will raise the bar in bringing consistency and quality to our sector.”

Suzannah Nichol MBE, chief executive of NSCC, added: “We are very pleased to welcome the STA into the NSCC today, and we’re delighted that the organisation is endorsing our Fair Payment Campaign. Implementing fair payment throughout the supply chain benefits everyone in the construction process. Having respected trade associations like the STA on board goes a long way to helping us achieve best practice, industry-wide.”