Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Main contractor definition

What does Main contractor mean? Main contractor describes the contractor engaged by the employer/client under the primary building contract to deliver the works and manage the supply chain. Also called the head contractor, it assumes overall responsibility for completion, programme, quality and co-ordination, and sub-contracts work packages. The term is descriptive rather than defined in statute. Standard forms (JCT, NEC) usually say “Contractor”, but in practice the party contracting directly with the employer is called the main contractor. Key features: overall contractual liability to the employer even where work is sub-contracted; control of site operations and logistics; payment to subcontractors; procurement of insurances...

Construction Law Practitioners' Glossary - M: Procurement, Roles, Pricing, Payment Milestones, Risk and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Practice notes

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

M&E

Abbreviation for mechanical and electrical.

Main contractor

On a project where some work is sub-contracted, the main contractor (also called the head or lead contractor) is the party that enters into a contract with the employer and is ultimately accountable for delivering the works. The main contractor may then sub-contract part or all of the works to its sub-contractors.

Maintenance period

The period following practical completion during which the contractor is required to return to site to make good any defects that occur or are identified during that time...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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