Former Beard Construction MD dies aged 91

Beard Construction’s former managing director Alan Beard, who worked for the family company for 71 years, has died.

The construction company said Beard, who was the third generation to lead the organisation, died peacefully at home, aged 91.

Alan joined in January 1950, aged 17, when the company was led by his father, Geoffrey.

He became Beard’s managing director in 1971, and helped to grow the company’s turnover to £200m, before retiring in 2021.

His lifelong commitment to the company is a family trait – his grandfather and company founder, Edward William Beard, holds the World Record for longest career as a builder after he retired at 103.

Beard completed many high-profile projects under Alan’s stewardship. These included 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.

Prof Roger Flanagan, the former president of the Chartered Institute of Building, said: “Alan Beard was a true professional. He was caring and helped many people on their career path. 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.”

Chad Murrin, former Beard non-executive director, added: “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.”

He is survived by wife Eileen, sons Mark and John, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His funeral will take place this Friday.