The boss of a 129-year-old family-run construction company is retiring after 70 years in the business.
Alan Beard is the third generation to head up Beard Construction, which was founded by his grandfather and has offices in Swindon, Oxford, Guildford and Bristol.
Mr Beard joined the company’s Cirencester branch in 1950 at the age of 17, working with his father Geoffrey.
Over the years he has been responsible for overseeing many building projects but, according to his son Mark, who is now chair of Beard, it was his work with churches that was particularly important to him.
The pinnacle of Mr Beard’s success in the sector, said his son, is arguably the Bishop Edward King Chapel, Cuddesdon, in Oxfordshire.
He said the multi-award-winning elliptical structure, which was completed in 2013, was one of the most “interesting, complex and technically challenging” construction projects in recent years.
The education sector was another growth area that Mr Beard was involved in, with contracts at schools around the South of England including Eton, Marlborough and Radley colleges as well as projects for the University of Oxford.
He also set up a programme for school leavers and university graduates looking to start their careers in construction during his career.
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Over the last seven decades the business has faced national crises, recessions and boom times, Mr Beard said, but has still experienced steady growth.
The company has expanded from two offices to four, and now turns over £160million, working in sectors such as education and healthcare.
Mr Beard’s son Mark says the company’s reputation for quality work, fair treatment of customers, suppliers and colleagues is part of his father’s legacy - as well as his sharp-eyed attention to detail.
He said: “We celebrated our 125th anniversary in 2017, which prompted Alan to write a book about the history of the company.
“The fact that we reached this milestone is testament to his expert stewardship over 70 years - a remarkable landmark to reach in itself.
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"My father withdrew from being actively involved with the business a short while ago, his influence is all around us and many of the principles he fostered are still woven into the fabric of the business.
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“For me personally it is his keen eye for detail that has shaped the approach we take to our work throughout the business.
“Alan is somebody not only well known in the industry and the region, but also in the community in which he lives where he has always found time to be part of the Rotary Club, and an active church member and leading light on the local political scene.”