Building blocks in place for workforce expansion
A NATIONAL construction firm has announced plans to boost its workforce in the North West as part of its 2015 growth strategy.
Wates Construction – which has offices in Manchester and Warrington – has announced the move after a strong financial performance for 2013 in March last year which saw turnover in the region reach £82.5m and a forward order book of £2.4bn across its UK operations.
Its recruitment drive follows a report from Glenigan which forecasts a 7.3% increase in construction projects for 2015. In 2014 the contractor saw its North West team grow from by 27 to 80.
Managing director of Wates Construction Midlands and North, Phil Harrison, said: “The past two years have seen a measured optimism that the construction sector is heading towards strong and sustainable growth and rising private sector investment is now beginning to significantly bolster this confidence.
“As the economic recovery begins to build steam, we are in turn faced with new opportunities to boost employment in our strengthening industry. The success of Wates is built solely on its people and our ongoing recruitment drive as we begin 2015, will substantially reinforce our reputation as a trusted contractor.”
Wates is currently delivering HOME, the new £25m multi-artform centre at First Street in Manchester.
Its current North West order book includes the new £15m Ellesmere Port Sport and Leisure Village and the £14m Northwich Memorial Court development, both of which were procured via the North West Construction Hub (NWCH).
In addition, Wates was appointed as main contractor to deliver a £37m programme to build six new privately funded schools across the region under the EFA’s Priority Schools Building Programme (PSBP).
Surrey-headquartered Wates employs just under 2,000 people nationally and its UK turnover until December 31 2013 was £830.2m, down 22.47% on the previous year.
