‘Head and shoulders above contemporaries’ – Wates wins CN Award
Wates won the Diversity and Inclusion Excellence at the 2022 Construction News Awards.
The winners were crowned in front of the industry on 14 July at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.
The Construction News Awards, celebrating their 26th year in 2022, brought together more than 1,200 of the UK’s leading clients and contractors for a glittering evening of celebration, recognition and networking.
After face-to-face review by a panel of 80 expert judges, the winners were selected, with judges concluding that Wates’ efforts pushed them ‘head and shoulders above their contemporaries’.
Wates have demonstrated a prolonged commitment from the senior leadership team of a 125 year old family owned and run corporate group to address industry wide change. The corner stone of creating a psychological safe place to work is demonstrably improving their EDI metrics and pushing them head and shoulders above their contemporaries.
We recognise that this is a start and there is so much more to do but this award is an important milestone in our journey to be the most inclusive organisation. It reassures us that we are laying a strong foundation where all talent can thrive, build meaningful career of choice, be a part of a team where they can be their authentic self, unlocking high performance. Together we make Wates a place where everyone is welcomed, connected and included.”
Nikunj Upadhyay
Inclusion and Diversity Director
We recognise that this is a start and there is so much more to do but this award is an important milestone in our journey to be the most inclusive organisation. It reassures us that we are laying a strong foundation where all talent can thrive, build meaningful career of choice, be a part of a team where they can be their authentic self, unlocking high performance.
Together we make Wates a place where everyone is welcomed, connected and included. In a year of new, severe and constantly evolving challenges for the construction industry, the 2022 CN Awards winners are renewed proof of the determination, resilience and inventiveness of those working in the sector. The entries highlight continuing innovation as well as an ongoing appetite for change to meet new demands and worsening economic headwinds.
This year we were able to return to in-person judging, and the rigorous multi-stage process has identified a wealth of inspired leadership and dedication to high quality delivery. This not only applies to the winners but also to those who were highly commended in their categories. All of the firms and individuals highlighted have good reason to be proud of what they have achieved.”
Colin Marrsu
Editor of Construction News