The construction industry might still be in the doldrums but Swindon-based Beard Construction has had its best year ever with turnover up 28% to £59m and profits doubled to £1.7m for the year ending December 2011.
The company believes that adjusting early to what it calls a ‘new market reality’ with a focus on doing the basics really well, with an absolute commitment to high-quality, snag-free projects, delivered on time, have been crucial. Beard calls this ‘prompt and faultless delivery’.
Construction director Marc Bayley (pictured) said: “Understanding the changing climate, adapting quickly with streamlined processes and maintaining an enthusiastic workforce are helping us to succeed. Above all it’s about delivering projects to a much higher standard and doing the basics really well.
“Investing in our people with extensive leadership programmes and training, creating our own 'happiness index' which we have been running for over 13 months and focussing on making our service-orientated business model even stronger, are all ways we try to make a difference."
Although contracts have reduced in size and competition has increased, the company believes there are still plenty of untapped opportunities. Beard remains very busy in the defence and education sectors having recently completed a new primary school at Lydiard Millicent, near Swindon.
It expects further projects as pressure grows on primary schools to provide more places over the next couple of years.
