Like most websites, this one uses cookies. Click here to find out more. Close WILLMOT DIXON Privacy Our story Over the past 160 years Willmott Dixon has grown into an industry leading business In 1852 John Willmott undertook his first contract for the sum of £1. Since then, Willmott Dixon has grown into a £1 billion business that remains privately-owned. Group chief executive Rick Willmott is the fifth generation of the Willmott family to lead the business, aided by some of the industry's most astute people and supported by a team of experts in construction and property services. Read The Story of John Willmott and Sons 1852 John Willmott, a young journeyman bricklayer, founds the company in Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire. 1878 William John Willmott is the first of John Willmott's sons to buy a conjoining business. The firm becomes known as John Willmott & Sons. 1899 The family starts its tradition of training sons within the business when William John Willmott's son, William George, starts an apprenticeship. 1924 The business separates into John Willmott & Sons (Hitchin) Ltd and John Willmott & Sons (Hornsey) Ltd. 1925 The company completes its first housing development, the Manor Estate. 1952 The company commemorates its 100th anniversary with a dinner and concert for all employees 1957 Harold Sam Willmott takes over from William George Willmott as Chairman. 1965 To widen the company's portfolio, the housing company John Willmott Developments Ltd is formed and trades for over 10 years. 1966 Peter William Willmott replaces his father Harold Sam Willmott as Chairman. 1969 John Willmott & Sons (Hornsey) Ltd and John Willmott & Sons (Hitchin) Ltd reunite under the parent company John Willmott Construction Ltd. 1970 The Group turnover increases to £2.2m. 1971 The company moves its head office to the site of a church where the Willmotts were active during in early 1900s. The name changes to John Willmott Holdings Ltd. 1972 For a short period of time the company trades in Guernsey through John Willmott Holdings (CI). 1975 The company relocates to a larger space at Henlow, Bedfordshire which offers a suite of offices, warehousing and land with development potential. 1976 The company makes its most significant acquisition, A.S. Symes Ltd, which boosts turnover and establishes a presence in London. 1977 To mark the company's 125th anniversary, celebrated by a dinner and dance for staff, The Ten Year Club is launched to recognises employee loyalty. The company completes a contract to refurbish the Royal Institution of the Chartered Surveyors (RICS) headquarters in London. 1978 The company moves to Goldinton Road, Bedford where its joinery and plant operations are combined. The Queen opens the completed RICS headquarters. 1980 The Group turnover increases to £29.8m. 1987 The name of the Group changes to Willmott Dixon Ltd and this is the year when future Chief Executive Colin Enticknap joins. 1988 The company forms The Willmott Dixon Distinction Club to recognise excellence in professional studies. 1991 To expand operations the subsidary company Willmott Dixon Construcoes (Portugal) SA is formed, based in Laoga, Portugal. 1993 Colin Enticknap becomes Group Chief Executive. 1997 Willmott Dixon Housing completes the Blackbird Leys project in Oxford, recognised at the time as the country's largest social housing project. 2000 The company moves its head office to vibrant premises on the Spirella complex in Letchworth Garden City, where it remains today. 2002 The company celebrates its 150th anniversary by entertaining shareholders, staff and their families to a day's racing at Ascot. 2004 To honour its origins, the company replaces the gates to Willmott Playing Fields in Bassingbourne, which Samuel Willmott donated in 1936. 2005 Rick Willmott is appointed Group Chief Executive, with Colin Enticknap becoming Group Chairman. The company floats its support services business Inspace, with Colin Enticknap as Inspace's Executive Chairman. 2008 The company takes Inspace private again. 2012 The company becomes a carbon neutral business. 2014 Company wins a Queen's Award for Enterprise for sustainable development, underlining its impeccable environment credentials. OUR BUSINESS OUR PEOPLE OUR STORY RECOGNITION POLICIES AND CODES Vision and values Willmott Dixon is a privately owned company that values innovation, partnership, sustainability and people Financial reporting Report and Accounts 2007-2019 Our people Meet some of our people that make Willmott Dixon what we are! Recognition Accolades for the quality of our projects and people WILLMOTT DIXON Twitter LinkedIn Youtube Instagram SIGN UP Name: Email: Submit WHAT WE DO Projects Sectors Expertise Live projects webcams ABOUT US Careers Media Centre Contact Enquiries Privacy Policies Modern slavery statement Supply Chain Code of Conduct SITE INFO Accessibility Legal information Sitemap Cookie Policy © Willmott Dixon 2021 Design by UXB London - Powered by BoomCMS