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...

Precedent letter: employer to project team following main contractor insolvency—notice on suspension, collateral warranty step-in, site control and information requests

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert

Precedents

Letter for employer to send to construction/design team in the event of Main contractor Insolvency

[Employer’s headed notepaper OR Employer’s address]
[contact name, job title and department]
[name of sub-contractor or consultant company], [address]

Dear [contact name]

[name of project] — [name of main contractor] — Insolvency

We advise that [name of main contractor] has [entered into Administration OR is in Liquidation OR other] and are considering the next legal and practical steps to complete the project.

[As [main contractor] is no longer on site, suspend your services until works resume. We will confirm separately.]

[Collateral warranties in our favour include step‑in rights; do not terminate [or suspend] your sub-contract with [main contractor] without giving prior notice in accordance with that warranty.]

The site has been secured for safety and security. Do not remove goods or materials without our express written consent; entry without permission will constitute trespass.

We have appointed a third party to audit the works and materials and may request further documents.

We plan to meet the project team and will call to arrange. [Please provide an assessment of sums paid to date against the value of works completed, with supporting documents.]

Yours sincerely
[signature]
[name]
[job title]

...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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