about Our Business
Explore career opportunities in one of the UK’s leading family-owned construction, residential development, and property services companies.
Founded in 1897 by Edward Wates, our company began with a mission to build better homes and communities. Over 125 years later, we’ve grown into a national leader with a rich history of delivering high-profile projects across the UK. Despite our growth, community and people remain central to our purpose.
A RICH HISTORY
Founded in 1897, we know about the built environment.
As a fourth-generation family-owned business, we pride ourselves on our enduring values, long-term perspective, and commitment to sustainability. These principles guide us in everything we do, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Unlike businesses driven by short-term shareholder demands, we prioritise decisions that benefit our long-term sustainability and growth. The Wates Family is dedicated to passing on an even stronger, more sustainable business to the next generation.
OUR PURPOSE
Reimagining places for people to thrive.
In the face of today’s environmental and social pressures, we know the built environment must do more.
It can help unlock people’s potential, improve health and wellbeing, and shape future prospects. It can change lives and strengthen communities in ways few other industries can.
We want to lead the way in making this happen. We have a proud legacy for quality, safety and social value. So, we’ve set ourselves a purpose to guide everything we do. By making sure every decision ladders up to this purpose, we can take our business into the future and have an even greater positive impact in the world.
Our core businesses
Our businesses focus on our key services of construction, residential development and property maintenance.
Our divisions include Wates Construction Group, Wates Developments Group, Wates Property Services and Wates Residential. We also have specialist engineering and offsite manufacturing, and flexible workspaces businesses.
Together, we are one Wates, dedicated to working together to inspire better ways of creating the places, communities and businesses of tomorrow.
OUR SERVICES
Reimagining places for people to thrive.
At Wates, we offer a comprehensive range of services that encompass the full lifecycle of a project—develop, build, and maintain.
We develop land and property to create vibrant, sustainable communities, working closely with partners to deliver high-quality housing and commercial spaces. Our building services focus on constructing innovative and resilient structures, whether it’s schools, hospitals, homes, or offices, all designed to enhance the lives of those who use them. Finally, we maintain these environments with industry-leading solutions that ensure buildings remain safe, energy-efficient, and fit for the future.
Together, these services enable us to create and sustain thriving places where people and nature can flourish.
