Building firm are masters of their craft

THE construction firm behind the transformation of Swansea's Palace Theatre has won two national building awards.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter

Neath-based R&M Williams was crowned overall master builder in the UK for 2025 and was also the winner of the best commercial or public sector project for the Palace Theatre restoration.

Director Mark Williams thanked Swansea Council for supporting local contractors. R&M Williams, he said, employs around 200 staff and supports a further 200 subcontractors. It mainly does commercial and public sector projects rather than housebuilding and, like many construction firms, is navigating an acute skills shortage and high prices of materials.

Mr Williams said capable tradesmen earned decent wages because they were in such demand but, despite this, he said it was difficult to recruit in part because of the long hours and hard work involved. He also felt that there was perception among many people that construction was not “sexy”.