About us

BLOG

COP26 saw the last-minute agreement of the Glasgow Climate Pact to accelerate action on climate change. But, with so many of us wondering whether this deal is enough, it is clear there is no time to lose in swiftly addressing the impacts that we ourselves are having on the environment.

CAMPAIGN

As we show our support for Armistice Day, we remember our role in supporting the military through World War II and our construction of the Mulberry Harbours.

VIDEO

Designing, constructing and maintaining buildings in response to the challenge of climate change. Watch our video documentary.

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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.

EVENT

Join us for our second Virtual Insight Day on 16 November 2021 to find out more about careers in the construction industry.

CAMPAIGN

With the COP26 climate change summit coming to Glasgow, this is a critical time for us all to work together to avert a crisis.

BLOG

Paul Rowan is Group HR Director, and a member of Wates’ Executive Committee. In this interview, part of a programme of activities to mark ‘Inclusion Month’ throughout October, he reflects on his experience of being part of Wates’ reverse mentoring scheme, part of Wates’ efforts to be actively anti-racist.

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Steve Beechey is Group Public Sector Director, as well as Executive sponsor of ‘BuildOut Together’ our LGBTQ+ employee network. As part of Wates Inclusion Month in October, Steve gives his reflections on what greater inclusivity means to him and to Wates.

CAMPAIGN

ASSETS is a six-month business support programme for social enterprises in the construction industry supply chain which are aiming to scale their operations and secure larger contracts.

24 AUGUST 2021

The Wates Group Chairman, Sir James Wates CBE, and table tennis champ Will Bayley MBE, have joined forces to discuss the importance of inclusivity and diversity in sport, and in business.

CAMPAIGN

Open doors offers something for everyone. Whether you are 11-17 years old, parent, guardian, career advisor or an adult looking to change your career, this opportunity can give you a chance to meet our teams and learn about the diverse range of career paths on offer in our industry.

05 AUGUST 2021

Wates and Lloyds Banking Group will work together to seek out new energy efficient innovations to form an elite network of green tech businesses, adding to the WIN Portal’s current network of 45 Innovation Partners.

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“I sponsor our LGBTQ+ inclusion work at Wates. As the sponsor and an ally to my LGBTQ+ colleagues and the community at large, I am committed to making Wates an inclusive organisation.” Stephen Beechey – Group Public Sector Director

CAMPAIGN

Wates has become one of the first construction companies to support flexible working across every part of our business, including for site-based employees.

CAMPAIGN

Wates has partnered with Working families’ #FlexTheUK campaign, which aims to drive national conversations about flexible working and to ‘build back better’ for working parents.

BLOG

At Wates we recognise Mental Health Awareness Week because it’s our opportunity to really shine the light on mental health, get people talking about it, and give them the space to have some open and honest conversations.

REPORTS AND RESEARCH

In one of the most challenging years in our 124-year history, we’re pleased to have secured £2.4bn of new work in 2020, enabling us to end the year with a record forward order book of £6.6bn, up 13.5% from 2019.

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This year for International Women’s Day, the aim is to encourage all of us businesses, governments and individuals to ‘choose to challenge’.

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Wates launches its new Wates Innovation Network (WIN) portal and Dr Zainab Dangana explains how this will help towards net zero buildings.

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Kate Ives, Director of Strategic Growth for Wates Residential – Three big trends for public and private sector partnerships.

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Su Pickerill, Group Community Investment Manager – Creating a Social Value showcase on each and every project.

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Many companies have clearly sought to grasp the spirit of the Principles and have provided good explanations of how their governance arrangements work.

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Steve Yates, Business Development Manager for Wates Construction, talks about the Next Generation during National Apprenticeship Week.

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Andrew Barraclough, Group Design Director – Supporting the public sector on its digital journey. Find out more.

CAMPAIGN

During National Apprenticeship Week (8- 14 February), we want to highlight the wide range of job opportunities available as part of a career in construction. Hear from some of our apprentices and trainees below who are helping to break down the common myths about apprenticeships in construction.

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Steve Beechey, Public Sector Director, The Construction Playbook – the consistent approach our industry needs.

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The construction industry has been on its own digital journey for some time now and significant progress has been made but if it is going to achieve some of its key aspirations in the years ahead around quality, efficiency and sustainability then much more needs to be done.

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Has social value lost its force amidst the global pandemic? Wates Group’s Community Investment Manager, Su Pickerill, explains why creating opportunities has never been more important…

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While last week’s UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow has been postponed to 2021, it’s important that positive climate action does not wait. Clare Masters, Head of Environment at Wates Group, explains why changing our habits to save the planet is more important than ever…

VIDEO

We are committed to raising awareness about the built environment sector and to encouraging young people, career changers and those who face barriers to employment to take a closer look at the roles required to create the places of tomorrow.

These virtual tours provide an insight to some of our projects and the people that make them happen.

BLOG

Steve Spilsbury, Framework Director for Wates Construction discusses the future of procurement in the wake of Covid-19. “Having a strong employment and skills plan for the project remained a key driver in successful tendering and the public sector wanted to work with companies that were tackling this issue…”

BLOG

Carl Wales is a health and safety manager at Wates Smartspace. Four years ago, Carl lost his 17-year-old son, Rowan, to suicide. In his blog, Carl discusses the importance of talking about suicide and how companies like Wates are supporting  organisations such as the suicide prevention charity Papyrus, which aims to prevent suicide among young people.

BLOG

At Wates, we are continuing to invest in our young talent, to make sure they continue to develop the best skills possible, both on site and off. With many of our trainees going on to secure senior positions and with accolades like Peter Glasgow and Lewis Hough’s wins at the G4C Awards, it is clear that we are successfully doing this.

BLOG

Lisa Cunningham, Pre-Construction Director for Wates Construction Midlands, explains that reopening our sites was about more than just business. “…We are ready to help the economy get back on its feet supporting as many individuals, businesses and communities along the way.”

CAMPAIGN

“With the government’s new focus on ‘build, build, build’ this is the perfect time to consider a career in the built environment.” Debbie Crew – Head of Talent and Resourcing, Wates Group.

BLOG

We asked two of our promising young apprentices, Beth Turner – Production Management Trainee and Liv Nicholls – Commercial Trainee, for their thoughts on how we can encourage more people to consider construction from an early age.

VIDEO

There are a huge variety of different roles available in the built environment. Hear from some of our apprentices and trainees below who are helping to debunk the common myths about apprenticeships in construction.

08 JULY 2020

Paul Chandler, Group MD, Wates Construction Group, reflects on some of the key announcements from Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcements in the Government’s Summer Financial Statement

BLOG

“No matter your role in the Armed Forces, whether you were a medic, a chef or a Lieutenant Colonel, you honed very specialist expertise in a high-pressure environment. You have skills that set you apart and those skills are more than welcome in the construction industry.”

CAMPAIGN

As we show our support for Armed Forces Week, we remember our role in supporting the military through World War II and our construction of the Mulberry Harbours.

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Paul Chandler, Group Managing Director of Wates Construction, shares a personal story why the Royal London Hospital project means more to him than any other project.

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Paul Dodsworth, Managing Director of Wates Construction North, calls for a cultural change in our traditionally considered ‘macho’ industry.

17 JUNE 2020

Wates Construction is marking Men’s Health Week (15-21st June) with a programme of employee events aimed at encouraging industry workers to talk more and share their health experiences.

VIDEO

Using a simple five-step plan, our Wates FM specialists explain the changes introduced at our Leatherhead HQ office in preparation for colleagues’ safe return to the office.

CAMPAIGN

As we commemorate the 75^th anniversary of VE Day, we remember our role in supporting the military through World War II and our construction of the Mulberry Harbours.

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“We believe in ‘giving something back’ to those brave and exceptional military personnel who have the potential to be future industry staff. People of this calibre can only benefit our industry.”

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Operations Director Matt Towner explores how the Group’s collaborative effort enabled the Royal London Hospital project to be delivered in record time.

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Our work has seen us fit out two floors of ICU bed stations spread over six wards within three wings, to provide essential extra capacity for the hospital to save lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ANIMATION

Site and project teams across the Wates Group are working hard to ensure that site operating procedures are followed, so that we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our teams. We have created this simple animation, shared on our sites to help our teams comply with the new procedures.

CAMPAIGN

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented major challenges to both our industry and our business, but it has also brought to the fore some incredible positives.

VIDEO

Site and project teams across the Wates Group are working hard to ensure that site operating procedures are followed, so that we continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our teams.

VIDEO

On Friday 27 March, Wates Construction’s site team in Wembley Park carried out a fire drill to ensure that in an emergency, site operating procedures are effectively followed.

VIDEO

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic Open Doors Week 2020 was changed from being an onsite experience to a virtual one.

ANIMATION

We have created a video animation profiling our 2019 achievements and performance.

PUBLICATION

Together with everyone involved in what we do, we aim to inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow. Find out more in the 2019 Group credentials.

VIDEO

2019 was a successful year for the Wates Group, with strong financial results, new clients won, major landmark projects completed and more to support the communities in which we work.

PUBLICATION

2019 was a positive year for the Wates Group in a challenging market.  Find out more in our 2019 Annual Reports and Accounts.

During National Apprenticeship Week (3-9 February), we want to highlight the wide range of job opportunities available in the built environment.  Hear from some of our apprentices and trainees who are helping to break down the common myths about apprenticeships in construction.

CAMPAIGN

Open doors offers something for everyone and can give you a chance to meet our teams and learn about the diverse range of career paths on offer in our industry. Book your place at one of our sites today using an interactive map.

CAMPAIGN

We have launched a new campaign called ‘Changing Our Habits’ to help challenge ourselves and our industry to find a better way, to innovate and to make big, meaningful and lasting changes to protect and restore the natural environment.

WATES IN THE NEWS

Building.co.uk interviews industry leaders about what is ahead for Construction in 2020. Sir James Wates, Chairman of Wates Group, was among those featured and remarks that he is approaching 2020 with great optimism.

WATES IN THE NEWS

Nikunj Upadhyay, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, was interviewed about how company culture, flexible working and the right environment can be a catalyst for change.

CAMPAIGN

Our Guiding Framework defines the Purpose that motivates us, the Goals we are working to achieve and the Behaviours we expect of ourselves and each other. Watch our video below to find out what the Guiding Framework means to us.

CAMPAIGN

At Wates, we are proud of our association with the armed forces. From supporting the D-Day landings in Normandy during WWII to building a base for the next generation of fighter jets for the RAF.

VIDEO

The Wates Group, established in 1897, is one of the leading privately-owned construction, development and property services businesses in the UK. We employ approximately 4,000 people and together, we inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow.

BLOG

As an inclusivity champion for construction company Wates, Will Bayley discusses the real power of public leisure facilities in helping people and communities come together and break barriers through sport.

In this blog, John Dunne, Group Safety Health Environment and Quality Director at Wates, outlines why he believes the rise in reported absenteeism due to poor mental health is a positive thing.

A new film celebrating a feat of engineering which turned the tide of World War II has been released by Wates on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Read our response to Inquiry by All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment

The Wates Group Annual Review 2018: Creating tomorrow together

Our annual Chairman’s Awards celebrate the passion, drive and dedication of our employees.

An introduction to Wates, its companies and performance in 2018.

2018 marked 100 years since women in the UK were given the right to vote as part of the Representation of the Peoples Act. We used this centenary as an opportunity to profile many of our female colleagues.

CAMPAIGN

Community and Conservation Week is an annual event providing opportunities for our people to access paid volunteering leave of up to 16 hours per year to support local projects across the country.

Weve delivered another year of increased profits by continuing to concentrate on working in the sectors and geographies where we have proven expertise and for customers with whom we enjoy positive, effective relationships.

At Wates, the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees is central to our business ethos and success. This includes mental health as much as physical safety.

The Wates Principles report seeks to improve corporate governance standards among private companies

Each year Wates holds Reshaping Tomorrow Week (11-15 June), a unique volunteering event that sees the business 4,000 employees donate their time to support the communities in which they live and work.

The Wates Group Annual Review 2017: Safer, Better, Stronger

Learn more about the Wates Group in our latest company credentials brochure

Wates Group is proud to work in partnership with Recycling Lives – an initiative that pairs jobseekers with recycling initiatives.

Wates Group are proud partners of Streetwise, a social enterprise that handles grounds maintenance. Watch the video to hear how streetwise impacts local communities.

This 15 minute video covers all Health, Safety, Environment and Quality information, as well as the standards we expect on all our sites.

Report from NEF Consulting, commissioned by the Wates Group and Wates Family Enterprise Trust, examining the impact of our relationship with social enterprises.

Download the Wates Annual Review for 2016, outlining our financial performance and key achievements.

To coincide with the release of our Annual Results for 2016, we have published a credentials brochure giving a snapshot of our performance and achievements in 2016.

“The apprenticeship levy is coming, so we might as well make the best of it. And how we do that is by thinking smarter and working together to make the scheme succeed for us.”

2017 was another positive year for the Wates Group, not just in terms of strong financial performance but also for its continued investment in its people and its relationships.

“Our industry faces major skills challenges to deliver the pipeline of work that includes increased housebuilding and major infrastructure projects.”

Tomorrows Company, the independent think tank helping businesses to be a force for good, today announced that James Wates CBE, chairman of the Wates Group, has joined its board as deputy chairman.

We welcomed 1,208 new colleagues as a result of our acquisition of Shepherd Engineering Services Limited.

Policy Exchange looks at what it will take to improving higher level professional and technical education.

As part of our long-term business development strategy, we welcomed over 400 new colleagues, including 130 people as a result of our acquisition of Midlands-based Purchase Group.

It is this diversity across market sectors that underlines the strength and stability of the Group.