The construction industry mourns the loss of Alan Beard, a pivotal leader.
- Alan Beard passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on 11th August 2024.
- He dedicated over seven decades to Beard Construction, advancing from apprentice to managing director.
- His leadership saw the company through economic challenges, reaching a turnover of £200m.
- Alan Beard’s impact is celebrated, having mentored many in the construction sector.
The family of Alan Beard, a renowned figure in the construction industry, announced his peaceful passing on 11th August 2024, at the age of 91. His career, marked by dedication and vision, spanned over seventy years at EW Beard, where he began his journey as a 17-year-old apprentice under the guidance of his father, Geoffrey Beard.
In 1971, he ascended to the role of managing director, becoming the third generation to lead the company established by his grandfather, Edward William Beard. Under his stewardship, Alan navigated the company through numerous economic and political complications. His strategic leadership enabled the company to surpass a significant turnover milestone of £200 million, positioning it as a prominent entity in the construction world.
Alan Beard officially retired in 2021 at the age of 88, yet his legacy remains embedded in the business and the industry at large. Chad Murrin, a former Beard non-executive director familiar with the Beard family since the 1980s, praised Alan’s commitment to nurturing new talent. Alan was known for his forward-thinking approach to leadership, particularly in his efforts to recruit apprentices and aid their career progression.
Professor Roger Flanagan, past president of the Chartered Institute of Building, recognised Alan as a consummate professional, noting his humility and dedication to others. Alan’s ethos of striving for excellence not only in his personal goals but also in meeting client expectations has left a lasting mark on the industry.
During his tenure, Beard Construction completed numerous high-profile projects, including the acclaimed Bishop Edward King Chapel at Cuddesdon, which became the Sterling Prize runner-up in 2013. Alan also significantly expanded the company’s footprint in education, with successful projects for institutions such as Eton, Marlborough, and Wellington Colleges, and several for the University of Oxford.
His passing leaves behind his wife Eileen, sons Mark and John, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, yet his impact on the construction industry endures, inspiring future generations.
Alan Beard’s enduring influence and leadership continue to inspire the construction industry, ensuring his legacy thrives.
