Sir James Wates

Sir James Wates

Sir James Wates, the Chairman of the Wates Group, is an Honorary Member of the Company, and the Master is pleased to pass on both his congratulations, and those of the Company, to Sir James, who was appointed a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the Birthday Honours list published last Saturday “for services to business and charity”.

When he was appointed an Honorary Member the citation read “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 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 traking on a General Manager role in 1989.  He joined Wates Construction Board in 1994, was appointed to Wates Group Board in 1997, and became Chairman in 2013.”

Sir James is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB) and was their President in 2010-11.