Member Article

Leeds Central Square contractor set to boost Yorkshire recruitment

Wates Construction, the contractor behind Roydhouse Properties’ £100 million Central Square office scheme in Leeds and Haribo’s new manufacturing facility in Wakefield, has announced plans to boost its Yorkshire team, as part of its 2015 growth strategy.

This comes after the contractor announced a strong financial performance for 2013 in March last year, which saw a regional turnover of £99.1 million and a forward order book of £2.4 billion across its UK operations.

Wates also recently opened a new office in Liverpool.

Wates’ recruitment initiative follows a report from Glenigan*, which forecasted a 7.3% increase in construction projects for 2015. In 2014, the contractor saw its Yorkshire and North East team grow by 12.

Phil Harrison, managing director, Wates Construction Midlands and North, commented: “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’ current order book in the region includes the new £12 million Bradford Forster Academy in Bradford, the new Selby Leisure Centre on behalf of Selby District Council and the new £6.1 million Little London Primary School in Leeds.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .