Wates looks for council works

Wates is targeting more council framework deals, its chief executive Struan Robertson told CJ.

Robertson said that following the group's £29m-a-year framework award from Durham County Council, the group is making strong gains in the North.

He said the group is being considered by other councils for similar contracts. "These are pioneering contracts and we are well placed in the market to bid for them. We are prepared to move with market streams and to meet customers' needs," he said.

Wates is continuing its safety drive - lost-time accidents improved by 35% last year over 2001. The group is pushing forward with its "own your own patch" initiative for site managers to take more responsibility on site. Improving occupational health is the key focus for 2003.

Robertson's decision to restructure the group into five customer-facing divisions and the appointment of a junior board (eight to nine young high-potential Wates employees) seem to be paying dividends in terms of improved staff morale. "We have made significant progress across the group," he said.

"People now want to work for Wates - it's an attractive, forward-thinking employer. Our staff turnover figure is now down to single figures."

The Wates Interiors division is looking to expand into Ireland.

Meanwhile, the group is expected to complete the move from its current headquarters in Norbury south London to Leatherhead in Surrey by the middle of this year.