Wates Chairman receives Knighthood at the Palace
Wates Chairman receives Knighthood at the Palace
Wates Group Chairman Sir James Wates CBE received his Knighthood from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
Wates is one of the UKs leading privately-owned construction, property services and residential companies, and in addition to chairing the company, Sir James has established himself as one of the most respected figures in the built environment industry, holding top positions in numerous leading bodies. Currently Chairman of the CBI Construction Council, Co-chair of Infrastructure Exports: UK, and Chairman of the BRE (Building Research Establishment) Trust, Sir James has also served in the past as President of the Chartered Institute of Building, Chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board, and Co-chair of Build UK.
In 2017 Sir James was appointed by the government to chair the coalition group to develop new corporate governance principles for large privately-owned companies. The resulting Wates Principles, as they have come to be known, encourage high standards of corporate governance, reflecting the impact that large privately-owned companies have on society and the economy.
Following todays investiture Sir James said:
This is a huge honour and one I am proud to share with my family, colleagues and industry peers. Being involved with our family business, the Wates Group, has enabled me to work with some extraordinary people and teams. The built environment has a positive impact on peoples lives and their communities, so what we do is profoundly important. I have also been fortunate to have had the opportunity to give my time to charities and other organisations who are doing so much valuable and inspirational work.
I am deeply honoured by and grateful for the recognition that this award represents.
Pictured (left to right): Miles Wates, Lady Wates, Sir James Wates, Michael Wates CBE and Piers Wates.
