Meet William Tomlinson: Why Practical Delivery Experience Matters
As Co-Founder and Managing Director of WeShape, William Tomlinson brings more than 20 years' experience across contracting, consultancy and development. We sat down with William to discuss why WeShape was founded and how his experience has shaped the firm's approach.
What led you to co-found WeShape?
Throughout my career, I've worked as a contractor, consultant and developer. That experience has given me the opportunity to see projects from different perspectives and understand the challenges faced by each stakeholder.
Over time, I recognised a growing disconnect between traditional advisory roles and the practical realities of delivering projects. WeShape was established to bridge that gap, providing advice that combines strategic oversight with a clear understanding of how projects are delivered in practice.
How has your career shaped your approach?
My career began with BAM Construct UK before moving into consultancy with Rider Levett Bucknall and later into development leadership at Cubex.
Those experiences have given me an understanding of projects from the perspectives of contractor, consultant and developer. That breadth of experience helps me understand not only what should happen on a project, but what is realistically achievable and how decisions made at one stage can influence outcomes later in the lifecycle.
What makes WeShape different?
WeShape was founded on the belief that development advice should be informed by real-world experience.
Our team remains actively involved in the acquisition, planning, procurement and delivery of complex development projects. That allows us to provide advice that is commercially grounded, practical and focused on outcomes rather than simply process.
What challenges are clients facing today?
Projects are becoming increasingly complex. Regulatory requirements, funding structures, procurement challenges and stakeholder expectations all continue to evolve.
Clients need advisors who can help them navigate that complexity while maintaining a clear focus on programme, risk and value. That's where we believe WeShape can add the greatest value.
What excites you about the future of WeShape?
The opportunity to work with lenders, investors and developers on some of the most interesting projects in the market.
Our focus is simple: helping clients navigate complexity, manage risk and shape better development outcomes through advice informed by real-world experience.