Swindon-based Beard Construction has announced that Alan Beard, former Managing Director of the company, has died aged 91.
He passed away peacefully at home on 11th August.
Well-known and highly respected within the construction industry, Alan worked for the family firm for seven decades. He joined in January 1950, aged 17, when the company was led by his father, Geoffrey.
He became Beard’s Managing Director in 1971, then the third-generation family member at the helm of the business. The only time he worked for another organisation was during his two years of National Service.
He steered the company through many economic and political challenges, whilst at the same time helping grow company turnover to £200m.
Alan retired in 2021, aged 88. His lifelong commitment to the company is a family trait; his grandfather and company founder, Edward William Beard, retired at 103 – he holds the World Record for longest career as a builder to this day.
Beard completed many high-profile projects under Alan’s stewardship 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.
He also 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.
Chad Murrin, former Beard Non-executive Director 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 paths. 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 his wife Eileen, sons Mark and John, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His funeral takes place on Friday 23rd August.
