James Wates

James has worked in construction his entire life and feels passionately that it plays a crucial role in the UK’s economic and social well-being. Through his numerous roles, he champions change in the sector – encouraging the investment in skills development, greater collaboration, and the application of modern methods of construction, with the ultimate goal of creating a higher quality built environment, stronger communities and a better society.

James read estate management at college and joined Wates construction in 1983, progressing through the management to running sites, before taking on a General Manager role in 1989. He became Chairman in 2013.

His key positions in the sector include: Chairman of the CBI Construction Council, Chairman of CITB, Past President of CIOB, Chairman of the BRE Trust, Non-executive Director of Argent Services LLP, and Co-chair of the government-sponsored Infrastructure Exports: UK.

In line with his belief that good business, well done, is good for society, he has taken on a number of roles outside of the construction sector, including Chairman of the think tank Tomorrow’s Company, Chairman of the Princes Trust Corporate Advisory Group, and Ambassador for the Young Women’s Trust.

In 2012 he was awarded the CBE for services to construction and the charitable sector.

Comment
Our construction minister needs real clout and a long-term contract
2021-12-13T06:12:00
Lee Rowley is the government’s sixth construction minister within the past three years. It’s no surprise that some in the industry are grumbling
Comment
Get that September spring in your step
2021-09-06T05:00:00
This has always been the month for getting back to normal, our batteries recharged – but it’ll require extra measures this year to get everyone’s bounce back, warns James Wates
Comment
Construction has an image problem that is harming recruitment. We have to change
2021-06-03T06:31:00
A lack of diversity combined with an out of date mindset means the industry is at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting new talent, says James Wates
Comment
The Construction Playbook requires team players
2021-03-05T06:00:00
This 80-page document should help unite clients and industry in a common goal, says James Wates
Comment
The Grenfell Inquiry reveals the urgent need for a culture change in construction
2020-11-20T06:00:00
Cutting corners is never in anybody’s best interest, says James Wates
Comment
We are reaching a tipping point for off-site work
2020-10-21T06:16:00
The strategy is in place and momentum is building. Now publication of the government’s construction playbook could help drive real change, says James Wates
Comment
We have risen to the challenge by working together
2020-09-29T05:00:00
At a time of national crisis the construction sector can be proud of the way it has put self-interests aside and acted collaboratively, says James Wates
Comment
We can boost the economy with good risk management
2020-03-12T06:00:00
James Wates outlines five key steps to improve risk management
Comment
Genuine opportunity for transparency
2019-08-12T05:00:00
We operate in a fragmented industry and we must raise our game. Clear reporting by companies could serve to transparently build up trust
Comment
Despite the Brexit gloom, there's plenty to feel confident about in construction
2019-03-12T06:00:00
Enough doom and gloom – there are many ways we are making this industry better, and many more ways we can make it better still. The key is to be confident
Comment
We desperately need to instil a positive culture - not box-ticking exercises
2018-11-06T11:46:00
We need to think differently about corporate governance to regain public trust – a realistic set of principles will help companies achieve this
Comment
Social skills
2018-09-07T06:00:00
The collapse of Carillion should lead to a renewed focus on the positive impact that construction businesses can have on society
Comment
Charting a course for change
2018-06-28T06:00:00
The construction industry needs reform – that much is clear. It’s time to recognise the factors we can’t control and tackle the ones we know we can
Comment
Get better soon
2018-04-25T06:00:00
The fallout from Carillion’s collapse and the recent gender pay gap data underline the urgent need for our industry to change
Comment
Let's get it together
2018-01-30T06:30:00
To fix the industry’s problems on inefficiency and building quality, we need better collaboration between builders, engineers and architects early in the process
Comment
Diversity is all
2017-10-25T05:00:00
The skills shortage means it is vital to recruit more women into the industry, yet the female workforce is still only 13% – so what should we be doing to encourage more women to join?
Comment
Ready for a game changer
2017-09-05T10:46:00
Construction in the UK faces some big changes and tough challenges - a CLC innovation hub can help the industry succeed
Comment
Export strength
2017-07-11T11:47:00
If the UK is to win work on overseas infrastructure megaprojects, we will have to get better at forming consortiums that offer the whole package. The newly-formed Infrastructure Exports: UK group may be able to help
Comment
How to get the best out of Brexit
2017-05-10T06:00:00
The election provides the chance to drive home key messages around areas for Brexit negotiations. If we come together, we can work for the changes we want from leaving Europe
Comment
Train to win
2017-03-03T06:00:00
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

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