DISCUSSION Wates chairman joins business think tank

James Wates, the chair of Wates, CITB and Build UK, is adding a further chairmanship to his CV with his appointment to the board of think tank Tomorrow’s Company.

Wates has has joined the board as deputy chairman. The intention is that he will become chairman from January 2017, succeeding Barrie Collins who has served in that role since 2009.

Tomorrow’s Company is an independent think tank aiming to help businesses to be a force for good. Founded in 1996, the group’s goal is to encourage a business approach that creates value for staff, shareholders and society through a focus on purpose, values, relationships and the long-term.

The appointment comes at a time of renewed global focus on corporate responsibility issues, following a G20 summit earlier this month at which prime minister Theresa May vowed to bring forward proposals later this year tackling poor corporate behaviour.

Tomorrow’s Company founder and chief executive, Mark Goyder, said: “We have worked closely with the Wates Group and the Wates family over many years, and their example of stewardship in action has been an important influence on us. It is wonderful to work with a successful business leader who exemplifies strong values, enduring relationships and a long term focus. We look forward to working together in the future.”

The appointment adds to Wates’ roster of professional responsibilities that includes chairman of the CITB, co-chair of Build UK, chairman of the Building Research Establishment (BRE) Trust, and member of the government’s Apprenticeship Delivery Board.

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