Helen Bunch; Wates Retail Managing Director

Helen joined Wates in 2006 as Group Strategy Director, developing and supporting the delivery of the Group’s growth and most recently was responsible for the establishment of the Wates International business in Abu Dhabi.

Prior to Wates, Helen spent 15 years with ICI working in global businesses that served a wide variety of industries from automotive to household products. 

Andy Hughes; Business Director

Andy started his career as an Engineer and was involved in major projects such as News International Print Facility in Knowsley and the Customs and Excise VAT Headquarters in Liverpool.  Andy has previously worked for Wimpey, Tarmac and subsequently Carillion for 13 years.

Andy became a member of the Wates team in April 2001and has been involved with and managed the following accounts; M&S Major Projects, M&S Simply Foods Roll Out programme, M&S Retail Parks, Boots, Morrisons, Lidl, Primark, Home Office Framework, Royal Mail Framework and McDonalds

Andy is currently involved in the development of new future business. His particular strengths include planning, pre-construction planning, construction planning, cost planning, Safety and Site Standards, quality and delivery.

Steve Spilsbury; Business Director

Graduating from Nottingham University, Steve started his career with Budge Civil Engineering, moving to Boots The Chemist where he achieved Chartered Civil Engineering status. Steve then moved to Styles &Wood where he developed the Store Planning and Store Data businesses focussed on the retail sector, becoming a Board Director in 2000. Steve joined Wates Retail Board in 2007 to develop Wates Design, providing an integrated design service to complement the contracting offer. Mid 2011, Steve became responsible for the management and development of the banking sector business for Wates Retail whilst retaining board responsibility for design production and innovative new service offers.

James Askew; Commercial Director

James joined Wates Retail in 2011 after 18 years with the Construction part of the Wates business. His current remit extends to overall commercial responsibility for all construction projects – both pre and post contract, across the UK overseeing a team of 50 surveyors.

James works closely with our clients to overcome problems and define commercially viable solutions for their businesses, bringing extensive knowledge of all contractual forms, construction techniques and procurement types.

James joined Wates in 1993 and has held a number of key roles within the business including most recently as Regional Commercial Director for the London area working in particular in the Commercial, Education and Government sectors, including many local and national frameworks.