Ian Burnett; Managing Director

Ian joined Wates in 1995 as Commercial Manager for NE region and was appointed MD of Living Space in 2005. He is a member of Wates ExCo and is the sponsor for our Group charity, Shelter on that committee, as well as being a Director for the Scottish business.

Ian is Chair of the Housing Forum working party on Sustainable Improvement in Existing Stock. He is also Chair of the Employability Working Group which is part of Wates’ Building Futures Project. A strong advocate of partnership working, Ian has led a number of long term collaborative frameworks with RSL and ALMO partners. He is a Fellow of the RICS.

Steve Trusler; Strategy Director

Steve has worked in affordable housing sector for 30 years, and has been instrumental in creating Wates Living Space, leading its business strategy and successful business growth. Steve is a passionate supporter for continuous improvement and innovation within the housing industry. He has represented the industry on a number of occasions and is keen to debate on key issues affecting the industry, happy to challenge or support ideas and policy where appropriate.

Steve is committed to influencing the agenda on housing in the UK. He has attended briefings at no 10 Downing St to debate the future of ALMOs, chaired a working group consisting of the BiTC, The Housing Forum, CIH, Housing Corporation and a number of clients and private businesses to look at how RSLs and businesses can work together to deliver community benefits and presented at an All Party Parliamentary group on Corporate Responsibility. Steve was also a member of the UK delegation that attended the CIH Tri-Country conference held in Toronto and presented and led a workshop at a housing seminar hosted by the Mayor of London at City Hall.

Steve is also a Distinguished Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and is a member of the BiTC Economic Renewal leadership team.

Rod Short; Commercial Director

Rod joined Wates in 2008 as National Commercial Director.Prior to joining Wates has held Directorships in Commercial and Managerial roles for a National Construction Services Company.

Rod was an early pioneer of framework, partnership alliances and early Contractor involvement schemes within the Building and Civil engineering sector.

One of Rod's key work areas is assisting Customers in meeting their objectives and offering alternatives to their procurement and funding strategy.

He is also a member of the Chartered institute of building and sits on the Companies Building Futures working group.

Joanne Jamieson; Business Unit Director, North East

Having joined Wates in 1997 Joanne progressed her career through the commercial and business development structure to Business Unit Director for North East (Yorkshire, Humberside & North East).  She has worked on a variety of projects, predominantly on refurbishment and new build housing schemes.

Joanne is responsible for all business activities for the North East and is focused in delivering and exceeding client expectations.

Steve Jackson; Business Unit Director

Steve started with Wates as an ambitious Surveyor, and has risen to Director through his hard work and determination.

Steve’s inspiring and passionate nature has produced a dedicated team of individuals with one goal - to deliver your projects safely, on time, on budget - EVERY TIME.

He leads his award winning business with enthusiasm, and is very much a part of the team, encouraging others to succeed and driving his team to success.

Phil Sperring; Business Unit Director (Midlands and Wales)

Philip joined Wates in 1979 as a Project Quantity Surveyor dealing with post contract on site surveying duties for the Birmingham division. In 1988, Philip was promoted to Senior Quantity Surveyor. His work developed with more varied types of projects assisted by Trainee Surveyors.

In 1999, Philip’s research into Best Practice took him into a National role, and a member of the Wates Innovation Team. He was personally involved in the delivery of a ‘Right First Time’ initiative and the company Supply Chain Management Strategy.

2000 saw the beginning of a new role for Philip. His role in the development of Wates Social Housing Business for the Midlands region has led to the directorship of the Whitefriars project in Coventry. Further to success in this development, Philip has progressed to becoming the Business Unit Director of Living Space.