ONE of the UK's biggest construction firms has appointed a new chief executive.

Wates Group, one of the UK’s leading family-owned construction, development and property services companies, has today appointed David Allen to take charge of the company.

Along with Costain and Morgan Sindall, Wates is one of three construction giant appointed to overhaul the shipyard's facilities, as construction of the Dreadnought boats gets under way.

Wates was behind the £23m Dreadnought warehouse at Dova Way and is nearing completion on BAE's £25m apprentice and training facility. The firm is also behind a number of other construction projects in West Cumbria.

Wates Group Chairman, James Wates CBE, said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to confirm today’s appointment, which is the outcome of a rigorous executive search process.

"Our aim was always to find the very best candidate, either from within our talented senior management team or from outside Wates. We are particularly pleased to be able to confirm David in this key leadership role, as it evidences our strength in depth at executive level.

“David has shown an acute understanding of what it means to lead this very special family-owned business and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we progress through the next phase of the company’s history.”

Wates Group, established in 1897, is one of the leading privately-owned construction, development and property services businesses in the UK. It employs approximately 4,000 people and generated turnover of £1.62bn in 2017.

Mr Allen, 46, joined Wates as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary in January 2016 following almost seven years as Crossrail’s Finance Director. He joined Crossrail in 2009 from Laing O’Rourke, where he was Finance Director of its European Construction business.

Before entering the construction industry in 2004, he worked in Accenture’s Strategy Consulting practice and HSBC Investment Bank’s Corporate Finance & Advisory Division.

Wates' new chief executive began his career with Arthur Andersen’s Tax Practice, is a Chartered Accountant and holds a degree in Modern History from St. Peter’s College Oxford.

Mr Allen said: “I’m excited about leading the next stage of Wates’ push to become an even more high performing, progressive and sustainable organisation that continues to deliver for, and is trusted by, all of our customers and partners.”