As a company, we’re proud to share ideas and knowledge with construction professionals and the wider business community – as well as continuing to learn from peers in the industry.
Chairman Mark Beard has shared his views on the sector’s skills requirements and future of construction with BE News. “I see up close every day how our industry is innovative, creative, purposeful and rewarding,” he said.
Mark Beard, Chairman
Mark shared details of some of our efforts to showcase the variety of careers in construction, including our ‘meet the team’ site hoardings, participation in Open Doors week, and our commitment to nurturing young talent. You can read Mark’s full piece here.
Mike Hedges
Throughout the year, members of Beard’s leadership team have also taken part in a series of roundtable discussions with South West Business Insider, covering topics from growth to employee benefits.
Company operations director Mike Hedges joined Insider in June, where family and owner-managed businesses discussed potential for growth.
“Growth hasn't so much been the strategy, but it is the result of delivering well across a broad portfolio,” said Mike. “Over the years we've weathered our fair share of market uncertainty, like elections and global events, and we try to stay resilient.
Mike Hedges, Company Operations Director
Matt Cooper
In October, Bristol director Matt Cooper joined business leaders in the city as part of the Insider’s Growth 100 roundtable, looking ahead to opportunities in 2026. Topics covered including navigating uncertainty, the impact of AI, and putting people first.
Matt echoed Mike’s comments, highlighting that as a company, we take pride in what we do and are committed to our promise of prompt and faultless delivery. “Quality really rings true,” said Matt.
Matt Cooper, Bristol Director
“As a business we have done £230m this year from £200m last year,” Matt explained. “So we've progressed well and, since Covid, we have been looking ahead wondering when the [economic] slowdown will happen but it hasn't.”
We’re proud to put our people first; we have held Investors in People Gold Accreditation since 2011, and Gold for Health and Wellbeing since 2022. We aim to grow our own people, with a range of benefits and learning opportunities for colleagues at all stages of their careers.
Paula Baleson
Social value manager Paula Baleson shared with Building how she has developed her social value team since being appointed to the newly created role, and what she loves about her work.
“I have the freedom to shape how Beard helps to strengthen communities,” she said. “I work with brilliant teams of people and it is super-rewarding to feel like the job you are doing makes a real difference.”
Paula also shared some advice for those starting out in the industry –
Paula Baleson, Social Value Manager
Get to know more about Paula on Building.co.uk here.
Dean Averies
Oxford director Dean Averies also shared his career advice, telling BE News “Take every opportunity you can to learn and grow. I’d encourage young people to seek out companies with the right values and culture that will support them with on-the-job training and career development – it can shape your entire future.”
Dean began working for Beard as a trainee aged 17, and has held various estimating, quantity surveying, contract manager and managerial positions over almost four decades. He has been director of our Oxford office since 2016.
Dean Averies, Oxford Director
“I’m also extremely proud of how Beard continues to nurture young talent, developing skills, providing opportunities, and building loyal, valued teams," Dean said.
Read more of Dean’s advice on BE News here.
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