South West construction firm Beard has unveiled plans to open a new office as it looks to build on recent growth.
The 130-year-old company is headquartered in Swindon and also has offices in three regional offices in Bristol, Guildford and Oxford.
The family-run business said it was now looking to expand its footprint with a new base on the south coast of England, with an exact location currently being finalised. Beard said it was looking to open the new base in the first quarter of 2024.
It comes after Beard won a place on the South West section of the £8.2bn Southern Construction Framework, which relates to construction for all public and third sector organisations in the region.
The firm, which has already carried out some projects in Hampshire and East Sussex, said its expansion would give its a base in the region from which to tender for framework contracts.
Director Mike Hedges said: “This plan has been some 18 months in the making and is a significant decision for the company. The fact that Beard has been in existence for 130 years and has opened just three offices gives some indication of the financial prudence which drives our decision-making. That we are expanding when much of our sector is facing challenges also demonstrates the strength of our financial stability and confidence in the future.”
Pat Hughes, director at Beard’s Guildford office, will run the new South Coast office. He will be replaced by new director Tom Jenkinson, who has joined Beard after 20 years at Willmott Dixon, most recently as a director leading the firm’s Central South regional construction office.
Mr Jenkinson said: “Beard’s building ambition and forward-thinking approach to construction sets it apart in the sector. I am proud to join such a successful and well-respected team, especially at a time when it is expanding.”
Earlier this year the business reported its turnover had risen above pre-pandemic levels to £165m, after it completed 45 projects throughout 2022.
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