While the headlines from Michael Gove’s housing speech on 23 July may have focused mainly on a renewed commitment to building one million new homes by 2024 and for more homes to be built in city centres the Government also announced new measures for permitted development relaxing previous restrictions around changing buildings like shops and offices into homes

As we mark World FM Day and this year’s theme of ‘Making a real difference’, our FM Managing Director, Antony Collett, reflects on how Wates is focusing on providing the most sustainable services to customers.

David Rose, Head of Projects at Wates FM, shares his thoughts on the increasing value his Special Projects team brings to customers, and to their budgets.

As the dust settles on the Autumn Statement, David Morgan, Executive Managing Director at Wates Property Services, shares his thoughts on the impact of the Chancellor’s pledge to commit £6bn to energy efficiency retrofit and the necessary steps to realise the Government’s decarbonisation ambitions.

Michelle McSorley, our Social Value Director, discusses how Wates Residential integrates social value in its supply chain.

Nikunj Upadhyay, writes this week in People Management, discussing the impact of microaggressions in the workplaces.

Levelling up is one of the most ambitious government aspirations in decades but the opportunity could be derailed if Whitehall doesn’t change the way it is delivering it, according to Stephen Beechey, public sector director at Wates Group.

The climate crisis is having a devastating impact on the world around us and our physical wellbeing. Without immediate and bold action

James Gregg, Managing Director of Wates FM, shares his insight on the vital role FM has to play in shaping the future of the built environment and the industry’s secret to a more sustainable future.

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Kelly Osborne, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Wates Group, writes in Employee Benefits this week about what more employers can do to support staff with stress.

Paul Chandler, Executive Managing Director at Wates Construction Group, at the opening of the new Queen Elizabeth Unit at the Royal London Hospital alongside Her Majesty the Queen.

The UK is home to more small businesses than any other country in Europe and this unique entrepreneurial spirit – celebrated on TV shows from Dragons’ Den to The Apprentice is key to accelerating our national drive to net zero.

The ASSETS programme has already led to new contracts with Wates and beyond. Mentors and mentees alike benefitted from the programme and it will be delivered again in 2022.

John Cartwright, Customer Portfolio Director at Wates Smartspace, shares his insight on the new concept and his predictions for the future for commercial fit-out.

Ben Williams shares his insight on the lessons so far learnt on the Wates’ retrofit programmes and the challenges ahead for the sector.

Dr. Zainab Dangana discusses how connecting innovators, such as those that are a part of the Wates Innovation Network portal, with large companies is key to achieving the COP26 goals.

We have a number initiatives aimed at attracting young and talented individuals into the industry and to fulfil our social value commitments to our clients and their residents.

Danny Ingoldsby, Assistant Surveyor, explains why investment in social value and social enterprises matters in our latest blog.