CICA, the Construction Industry Computing Association, merges with National Computing Centre

The independent membership organisation for IT professionals within the construction industry, The Construction Industry Computing Association (CICA) is to become part of the National Computing Centre.

CICA is dedicated to promoting the effective use of information technology in the construction industry. Founded in 1973 by the Government, CICA is now an independent organisation, owned by its members and run for their benefit. CICA has a membership of over 150 organisations representing the diversity of the sector, and provides a range of sector specific information, advice and guidance solutions.

The National Computing Centre is the UK's foremost independent, cross-sector membership organisation for IT professionals. Established in 1966, the Centre is a company limited by guarantee, also owned by and run for the benefit of its members. NCC has recently refreshed and enhanced its own membership services, now known as Principia. Principia provides access to information, advice, guidance, experience-sharing and networking services which address the key technology, process and people issues affecting the IT community.

Roy Harper, CICA chairman said, 'The merger between CICA and NCC considerably strengthens the standing and influence of both organisations on construction matters, particularly in the eyes of Government and our Industry as a whole'.

The merger with NCC Membership Services will enable CICA to retain its own identity and broaden its resource base offering its members access to NCC's extensive range of research and membership products and services. Overtime, CICA and NCC will develop new products and services tailored to meet the needs of IT decision makers in the construction sector.

The merger further reinforces NCC's pre-eminent position as the membership body of choice for IT decision makers in the UK. Over the last 18 months NCC has acquired Certus, the IT leadership development programme, CIO-Connect, the networking forum for the country's top Chief Information Officers and the Institute of IT training, the world's first professional body for IT training professionals.

Michael Gough, NCC's Chief Executive said, 'The CICA/NCC merger is an ideal fit for both membership groups, especially considering their common heritage and objectives. By pooling resources we will be better suited to deliver a wider range of solutions to the members.'

About The National Computing Centre
The National Computing Centre (NCC) is the UK's largest cross-sector membership and research organisation for IT users. NCC's mission is to promote the more effective use of information technology. Established in 1966 by the Government, and now an independent organisation limited by guarantee, the NCC achieves its objectives through the creation and sharing of best practice and draws on its proven expertise in information management and internet services. Membership services are now delivered through Principia.

Principia Members benefit by being advised and guided through topical issues. Our advice and guidance which is always independent, impartial and expert is provided through publications, surveys, research reports, events, online services and a network of special interest groups. Principia Membership is representative of a broad spectrum of sectors from government organisations and blue-chip corporations to small to medium sized organisations.

Press Contacts
Michael Dean/Kath Bates
National Computing Centre
Oxford House, Oxford Road
Manchester M1 7ED
michael.dean@ncc.co.uk/kath.bates@ncc.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 161 242 2121