Huw’s industry achievements recognised by prestigious honorary fellowship award4th Nov 2025

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK chairman Huw Jones MBE has earned the esteemed title of Honorary Fellow in recognition of his significant contribution to North Wales, business, and green engineering.

Huw was bestowed the honour by Wrexham University’s board of governors at one of its annual awards ceremonies.

The University recognised Huw’s role in shaping the strategic direction of the Ruthin-based firm, which has an annual turnover of £155m, during his 40 years as managing director and past decade as chairman.

Under his leadership, Jones Bros has undertaken several major renewable energy developments such as the £24.6m tidal energy scheme Morlais in Anglesey and multi-million-pound Denbighshire-based wind farms Brenig and Clocaenog Forest.

Other projects delivered by the company in North Wales include the £139m A487 Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass.

Providing career opportunities for youngsters has also been a focal point for the family-owned firm with its award-winning apprenticeship scheme providing around 40 per cent of its 550-strong team.

Indeed, the company’s degree apprenticeship programme is run via Wrexham University and its partnership with Coleg Cambria and includes a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying.

That builds on a long-standing connection, with Huw and several of Jones Bros’ senior managers having attended when it was the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI).

Huw, who was awarded an MBE for services to the economy in Wales in 2020, said: “As a North Wales native, it’s fantastic to see the positive impact we’ve had in the area.

“From upskilling young people through our apprenticeship scheme, to engaging with local suppliers on our projects, I’m proud we’ve contributed to enhancing the economic and social status of various communities through our work.

“The firm’s growth is down to the dedication of our team members, many of whom began as apprentices or trainees before entering senior positions. I’m very thankful for their commitment.

“Looking ahead, I hope we continue to establish our presence as a leading civil engineering firm by delivering high-quality schemes across the UK, especially within North Wales.”

Jones Bros is currently delivering several major projects such as the £167m Havant Thicket Reservoir in Hampshire, and the 44-turbine Sanquhar II Wind Farm near Dumfries and Galloway and East Ayrshire.

Additional UK-wide energy schemes include Orkney Scapa Deep Water Quay, and battery energy storage system (BESS) developments such as Thorpe Marsh in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and Afon Wysg 1 at the Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park.

Alongside his new title, Huw is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and serves on the CECA Wales and CBI Wales committees.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.