Wates group Ltd
As one of the UK's largest privately owned construction companies, Wates Group has over 2,200 employees and a turnover approaching £1billion. Our core business areas are Construction, Living Space, Interiors and Retail, all of which are focused on specific markets working with high profile customers. Our vision is to be the first UK contractor to deliver for customers safely, on time, on budget, every time.
Operating across the whole of the UK, we work with customers ranging from Government departments and local authorities through to famous high street names like John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Barclays. Every day we help the schools, offices, retail experiences and affordable housing that will shape the future of the UK. You'll know our work from cutting edge buildings such as the Stratford Eye through to innovative restoration projects like the London Transport Museum.
Group values
"We believe that a successful building is more than bricks and mortar. At the core of our success is our people, working together to deliver the promises we make to our customers. This is built on a strong set of values: integrity; intelligence, performance teamwork, respect for people and communities."
Developing talent to maintain current success and build for the future is intrinsic to the Wates culture. The firm's industry-leading training programmes combine essential practical project experience with professional development, technical training, leadership and management development activities.
Family business is good business
A family business is very much about people. Our shareholders are professional owners whose primary focus is to create value for customers and a sustainable business for the long term. For over 112 years, Wates has been delivering buildings that contribute to the prosperity and wellbeing of the nation.
Good governance is the best foundation for good results. Several members of the fourth generation of the Wates family took on sponsoring roles in individual business units and in 2008 we welcomed the transition from third to fourth generation owners. The family's strong set of values continues to shape our strategy and culture in every way. We were delighted when Coutts named the Wates Group 'Best UK Family Business 2006,' which was awarded mid 2007, highlighting our "well thought out and well structured family governance".
The Wates approach
Given the dynamic nature of our work we have the opportunity to make a real difference to improve local communities and protect the environment. So we are passionate about creating value beyond our operational parameters. Our award winning corporate responsibility strategy is at the heart of our activities and the approach is simple: We deliver for our customers, look after our people, protect the environment and support communities in need.
Our corporate responsibility activities are channelled into three core programmes with ambitious targets - to minimise waste, reduce carbon and boost skills in the deprived communities where we work.
We continue to benchmark our performance and in 2007 we were delighted to achieve a score of 81% in Business in the Community's CR index. Our goal is to achieve gold status in BiTC's Responsible Business Index.
A Winning Strategy
Wates Group fought off tough competition to take home the Major Contractor of the Year and Chief Executive of the Year accolades at the 2009 Building Awards!
Wates was hailed as a ‘contractor that has come of age after soaring through the £1 billion turnover barrier last year’ and was commended for its commitment to innovation. This, coupled with our approach to CSR and communities, leaves us ‘head and shoulders above the rest’ according to the post event Building report.