Alan Beard, Chairman

Alan was 17 years old when he started working for Beard in Cirencester as a trainee.  The year was 1950 and Beard had recently purchased the business of GF&G Newcombe.  In those days Beard employed its own labour and was mainly involved in restoring historic Cotswold buildings. After returning from national service in 1957, petrol rationing meant that Alan had to get digs in Cirencester where he continued to work until he was appointed Company Secretary in 1961.  The company continued to grow, and in the early 70’s Alan and his brother Colin took over the business and managed it until Mark took the helm in 1999.

In this time Alan has seen many changes in the industry particularly in building technology, planning, health and safety and the environment.  A significant change has been the rise in salaries which reflects the greater technical and legislative complexity of the industry and need for more qualified people.

Spotting new talent and mentoring senior staff of the future is now a key part of Alan’s role, which he enjoys immensely. In addition to working with the Construction Industry Training Board to educate new recruits, Alan also applies his wealth of commercial and technical expertise to overseeing estimates.  He also manages EW Beard (Holding’s) Ltd., property portfolio.

Professionally, Alan’s biggest achievement has been keeping the company on an even keel through good times and bad: personally it has been raising a family and educating them to work hard!

When he is not working Alan can be found playing squash. For 35 years Alan was secretary of a large Parochial Church Council, and is now a member of the congregation at St Peter’s Catholic Church in West Swindon.

If things continue as they have been, then Alan could not be happier.