Construction company with an office in Hitchin honoured by King Charles III

A Hertfordshire company has been honoured by King Charles III in his first Awards for Enterprise for its work to enhance the life opportunities of others. 

Willmott Dixon, a construction and fit-out company headquartered in Letchworth, with a regional office in Hitchin, is one of only nine organisations to be recognised in the Promoting Opportunity category. 

This is the fourth time Willmott Dixon has received Britain's most coveted business prize, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, with the company achieving the honour in 2014, 2018 and 2019, for its sustainable development work and how it is supporting social mobility.    

Rick Willmott, group chief executive, said: "Being recognised by The King's Awards for Enterprise is a tribute to our people's hard work and really underlines our commitment to leave a positive, sustainable legacy for future generations beyond the buildings we create and improve.  

"Our people value working for a company that sets the standard for how we deliver social value in our communities.

"This is evident from the many hours they invest in initiatives that improve the life chances of people not as fortunate as them." 

Recent achievements that led to the award include:   

• 86,945 people engaged in activities to boost their life chances  

• 48,000 hours donated by Willmott Dixon people   

• 1,172 mock interviews held to support people getting jobs 

• 608 community-related programmes delivered 

• £1m+ spent with 45 social businesses in 2021  

• 144 people facing significant barriers to work gained employment through the company's intervention  

• 104 people started new careers after receiving long-term support   

• 80 per cent of Willmott Dixon people were involved in some activity  

• 68 per cent of customers rated Willmott Dixon as a nine or 10 out of 10 for social value and community outcomes 

The work recognised by the King's Award for Enterprise is part of Willmott Dixon's sustainability strategy, Now or Never. The Building Lives theme in the strategy aims to improve the career chances of least 100,000 people and support at least 1,000 people into sustainable careers by 2030. 

For more information on Willmott Dixon, click here. 

Willmott Dixon 

Willmott Dixon is a privately owned construction and interior fit-out group, led by Chief Executive Rick Willmott, a direct descendant of John Willmott who founded the company in 1852. ​ 

The company is dedicated to leaving a positive legacy in the communities and environment where it operates. It creates value for customers, stakeholders and communities by working in a sustainable and responsible way to shape the built environment and make a positive impact to society's well-being. ​ 

It was the first large contractor to commit to being a net-zero operation by 2030. In 2018 Willmott Dixon was one of only six companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the 'promoting opportunity through social mobility' category.