TALKS have started to create a North-East construction and engineering superpower.

The Federation of Master Builders, the National Federation of Builders, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association and the Northern Counties Builders Federation are looking to set up an alliance.

The drive aims to champion the region's small and medium-sized construction and civil engineering contractors.

Officials say it will add to signs of recovery in the North-East’s building sector, giving the region’s companies a voice and the chance to compete for more projects.

The bodies represent 500 businesses, which have a combined turnover of £3bn and employ more than 100,000 people.

Jeff Alexander, chairman of the Northern Counties Builders Federation, said: “During the recession, the workload of many regional construction firms was adversely affected.

“A large contributory factor was that, at a time when there was little private sector development, the majority of publicly funded work went to larger non-regional companies on the various frameworks.

“What little work remained available for regional companies was very hotly contested with the result that a number of well-known established building firms ceased trading.

“We believe that now, with a burgeoning confidence in the industry, it is the right time to demonstrate the benefits regional firms bring, not only in terms of their experience but also in investment, training and local recruitment.”

Jack Redfern, managing director of Bishop Auckland-based Redfern Building Services agreed something must be done.

He added: “We are not asking for work to be handed to us on a plate, but for the opportunity to compete alongside the national firms.”

Consultation with membership of the four organisations is now being carried out, with a decision about the proposed alliance due at the end of the month.