He has been chairman of the privately-owned building contractor for six years.
During much of that time, he has also been involved in steering industry training and worked to help businesses become more of a force for good in society.
He chaired the Construction Industry Training Board between 2010 and 2018, helping to reform the organisation.
Also, he is chair of Tomorrow’s Company, a think tank enabling businesses to be a force for good in society, and is co-chair of Infrastructure Exports: UK, which acts to promote British business internationally.
Last year he led a coalition group of organisations to develop corporate governance standards for large private companies.
Wates is a longstanding ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.
Construction Honours
CB (Companions of the Order of the Bath)
Anthony Meggs, new chairman Crossrail and lately chief of the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. For public service.
CBE
Simon Blanchflower, major programme director for Thameslink until last year. Now CEO of the East West Rail Company. For services to the Railway.
Stuart Crooks, managing director at Hinkley Point C, EDF Energy. For services to Nuclear Energy.
Susan Percy, chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. For services to Transport.
OBE
Dr Louise Brooke-Smith, lead strategic planning consultant at Arcadis, honoured for services to the built environment and diversity and inclusion.
Dr Anne Kemp, technical director at Atkins and chair of UK BIM Alliance. For services to Digital Construction Innovation.
Lucy Musgrave, For services to Architecture and the Built Environment.
Ian Harris, Incident Officer, Network Rail. For services to the Railway in South Wales.