• Swindon & Wiltshire People
• Tuesday August 20 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Former MD of Beard Construction dies aged 91

The former managing director of Swindon-headquartered Beard Construction has died at the age of 91.

Alan Beard joined the family firm at the age of 17 and retired seven decades later in 2021 aged 88 – his career with the firm broken only by two years of National Service.

He became Beard’s managing director in 1971, then the third-generation family member at the helm of the business, following his father Geoffrey and his grandfather, company founder Edward William Beard, who retired at 103 and holds the World Record for longest career as a builder to this day.

He steered the company, which now has offices in Swindon, Bristol, Oxford and Southampton, through many economic and political challenges, while helping grow company turnover to £200 million.

Under Alan’s stewardship Beard completed many high-profile projects, including The Bishop Edward King Chapel at Cuddesdon, an impressive elliptical building with a lattice-effect limestone exterior, which was the Sterling Prize runner-up in 2013.

Alan oversaw Beard’s growth in the education sector, delivering contracts for prestigious schools including Eton, Marlborough and Wellington Colleges, as well as several projects, from small alterations to massive specialist structures, for the University of Oxford.

Paying tribute, Chad Murrin, former Beard non-executive director and long-time family friend, said: “Alan was a highly respected figure, in the construction and property sectors and in his private and social life.

“As head of the company, even when it was much smaller, Alan resolutely appointed apprentices and mentored them as they developed successful careers.

“He was ahead of his time in his approach to developing technically competent construction managers. He led and then supported a very successful well-respected business. I was very sorry to hear of his passing.”

Professor Roger Flanagan, friend and former president of the Chartered Institute of Building, added: “Alan Beard was a true professional. He was caring and helped many people on their career path. He was humble and concerned for other people.

“His legacy is a beacon for others to follow; always do your best and exceed your own and the client’s expectations. He will be sadly missed.”

Alan is survived by wife Eileen, sons Mark and John, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His funeral will be held on Friday, August 23.