Wates Group announced as Major Contractor of the Year
8 April, 2009
The Wates Group has been recognised as a leader in the construction industry after being named Major Contractor of the Year at the 2009 Building Magazine Awards. Wates scooped the pool at the gala event with Paul Drechsler also being named Chief Executive of the Year.
The judges described Wates as a ‘contractor that has come of age after soaring through the £1 billion turnover barrier last year’, with the company being commended for its commitment to innovation and the 80% repeat business that has contributed to the firm’s £2 billion forward order book.
Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Drechsler was also voted as best chief executive in British construction after taking the helm of Wates five years ago and successfully steering the Group to unprecedented success through a turbulent time for the industry.
Paul Drechsler, Wates’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said: “Our people work hard to ensure our consistent track record on delivering for customers and communities and it is for this reason that we have been recognised as Major Contractor of the Year.
“This is further supported by our recent financial results, which show significant liquidity, no reliance on external funding and no toxic assets which, combined with long term commitment from the family owners, provides a strong financial base that sets Wates apart in today’s volatile market. Moving forward, we have the strategy, the customers, and the people to continue to deliver in what is expected to be a much more difficult and challenging economic environment.”
The Building Award accolades are further testament to Wates’ solid performance and customer focused delivery that ensures its success at winning multi million pound projects in a broad range of sectors. The firm has recently completed the prestigious Christ’s College in Guildford and HMP Rochester in Kent.
Wates’ commitment to innovation, coupled with its approach to CR and communities, leaves the national contractor ‘head and shoulders above the rest’ according to a post event report.
Denise Chevin, Editor of Building Magazine, commented: “I am delighted that Wates has won this category. There was a lot of stiff competition but the Group’s transformation in the last few years ensured they received the plaudits from the judges and won the day.”
Wates Group was last year recognised by a number of awards including, for the sixth year running, a RoSPA Gold Medal for Health and Safety. The company was also acclaimed as Sustainable Contractor of the Year in the Building Magazine Sustainability awards.
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