Beard celebrates a decade of delivering transformative construction projects in Bristol
Construction firm Beard is marking ten years of delivering ambitious and innovative projects which have transformed communities and businesses across Bristol and the wider region. Beard’s Bristol office opened in September 2015 and was originally established in Westbury-on-Trym, before moving to its current location of Langford Lodge, 109 Pembroke Road in Clifton. The office has grown from a team of just three to a 54-strong workforce, delivering high-quality design and build, new-build, restoration and refurbishment projects across sectors including heritage, commercial, healthcare, residential, sports, leisure, and education. Experienced construction professional Mike Hedges led the Bristol office from its inception before being promoted to company operations director in 2023. He said: “For more than 130 years, Beard has delivered exemplary projects that support businesses and enhance communities across diverse sectors. “The Bristol team has been instrumental in Beard’s recent success, and we’re proud of the collective achievements over the past decade. “This milestone is a testament to the skill and dedication of our team, past and present, as well as the trust and expertise of our valued customers, subcontractors, suppliers, and wider network. My thanks, on behalf of the Beard directors, goes to all of them.” To mark the occasion, Beard hosted a celebratory event at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) earlier this month, attended by team members, supply chain partners, and customers. In 2022, Beard completed the RWA’s light and inspiration project, a scheme to reduce the building’s reliance on fossil fuels and improve the efficiency of the historic building. It was the most significant refurbishment in over a century, also delivering structural repairs and improving accessibility to preserve the cultural landmark. Matt Cooper, Bristol director since 2021, has steered the team through a period of significant growth. He added: “The work of our Bristol office demonstrates Beard’s wider commitment to quality, innovation, and community impact. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our team and partners, and we look forward to helping shape Bristol’s built environment for many more years to come.” One of the Bristol team’s first projects was the £4.7million refurbishment of the University of Bristol’s law school. Beard also delivered the iconic new Being Brunel museum for the SS Great Britain Trust, telling the story of Brunel’s impact in Bristol and beyond. Beard Bristol’s current projects include the construction of a gorilla house and visitor centre for Bristol Zoological Society; the restoration of Glastonbury’s Baily’s Building into a dynamic co-working space; and the refurbishment and extension of One Friary Quay in Bristol. Other projects in Bristol’s varied portfolio over the past decade have included: Beyond construction, the team has raised over £18,000 for Grief Encounter this year alone. Their chosen charity for two years, the organisation provides specialist bereavement support to children, young people and their families. Money has been raised through everything from skydives and cycle challenges to dress down days and bake sales, reflecting the team’s commitment to positive community impact. Founded in 1892 by Edward William Beard, the company is now led by the fourth-generation of the family, Mark Beard. Its head office opened in Swindon, followed by Oxford, Guildford and Bristol. The firm opened its newest office in Southampton in January 2024. For more information about Beard, visit www.beardconstruction.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University event bridging gap between education and construction is hailed a ‘huge success’
A diverse range of speakers took to the stage at an event seeking to combat the growing construction skills gap through education and training – including former prisoners whose lives it has changed. Building Better Futures, held at King’s College College in Cambridge and organised by Constructed Pathways and Women in Construction Anglia, looked to shine a light on the opportunities for people to train and join the industry. Latest figures reveal more than 225,000 additional workers are needed across the UK to fuel the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes by 2030. Among the speakers and attendees were former prisoners who spoke of how innovative training in construction, coordinated by Constructed Pathways, had transformed their lives. Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, also spoke at the event. “I thought it was a brilliant event and just shows the potential and power for collaboration,” he said. “From my point of view as a Police and Crime Commissioner, getting ex-offenders into work is really important, so I’ll do anything I can to promote that. “We need more houses built and there’s lots of big civil engineering projects happening in the region, so anything I can do to help that cause, I will. “This event has been a great place for networking and showing what we can do – the power of collaboration has been here in bucket loads.” Alongside the various construction training programmes it runs, Cambridgeshire-based Constructed Pathways has supported prisoners at HMP Peterborough, giving them hands-on training and experience, helping them to find work in the sector on release. Steve Coleby, Director of Constructed Pathways, said: “This event has been a huge success, with some truly inspiring speakers taking to the stage. “The construction sector has a looming crisis ahead which it is well aware of, and needs innovative, short and long-term plans to find the workers to meet the government’s ambitious homes plans. “This event brought together industry and education leaders to address the growing skills gap issue, and it has been great to see people eager to work together to find solutions.” Clare Friel, founder of Women in Construction Anglia, added: “It has been an amazing day, seeing so many people coming together to tackle this important issue. “The construction industry is an incredible sector to be part of and it’s so important we showcase the opportunities to people so we can meet the challenges ahead.” For more information on Constructed Pathways and its training programmes, see here.For more on Women in Construction Anglia, see here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Statom Group Appoints Gavin Hunt as Chief Development Officer
Statom Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Gavin Hunt as Chief Development Officer (CDO), reinforcing the company’s commitment to continued growth, innovation, and operational excellence. With more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure and building projects across the UK, Gavin brings extensive technical and leadership expertise to the group. His background in major civil engineering and structural works, combined with a deep understanding of groundworks and reinforced concrete delivery, will further strengthen Statom’s capabilities across its core business areas. In his new role, Gavin will lead the development strategy for Statom Group — driving growth initiatives, enhancing efficiency, and building strategic partnerships to support the company’s long-term objectives. Working closely with Group Chairman Tommy Brown, CEO Stan Nikudinski, and directors across all divisions, he will focus on strengthening the group’s development pipeline and advancing its position as one of the UK’s leading specialist contractors. Commenting on his appointment, Gavin said: “I was drawn to Statom Group because of its strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects and its commitment to innovation within the construction and infrastructure sector. The company’s focus on safety, sustainability, and collaboration really stood out to me. I’m looking forward to contributing to Statom’s continued success and being part of a team that clearly values both excellence and integrity.” Group CEO Stan Nikudinski added: “We’re delighted to welcome Gavin to Statom Group. His experience, leadership, and forward-thinking approach will be invaluable as we continue to evolve, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across our operations.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RG+P elevates its talent with ten new promotions
Multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd has announced it has made a series of promotions, rewarding ten members of staff with new roles. The promotions have been made across the practice’s London and Leicester studios, recognising the achievements of individuals across six disciplines including Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Design, BIM, Administration and HR/Practice Management. Two of the ten, architects, Nuno Mota and Victoria Torres, take on directorships in the London studio, with the remaining eight moving into management, senior leadership or executive level roles. These promotions will provide opportunities for managing and mentoring junior members of the team; progressing individual knowledge and skills; championing excellence in design and technical execution; streamlining operational procedures; and supporting wider business goals, including relocating the Leicester studio to Canopy House later this year. rg+p’s newly promoted team includes: Rob Woolston, architectural director at rg+p comments: “This year has seen positive growth across many divisions of our business so we’re proud to reward our talented team with this series of promotions. Many of those recognised have been with us for multiple years, or in some cases, over a decade, so it’s been a privilege to see their continued development. “Nurturing talent from within is an integral part of our culture, and it’s especially rewarding to see people advance their careers while contributing to some of our flagship residential, BTR and later living projects across London, the Midlands, the South East and South Coast. “This investment in our team, alongside the upcoming relocation of our Leicester studio to Canopy House, marks the start of an exciting new chapter and means we are well-positioned for future growth,” concludes Rob. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Multi-award-winning engineering consultancy commits to major skills investment as industry faces critical shortage
Leading North West civil and structural engineering consultancy Sutcliffe, today announced a commitment to train 40 new engineers over the next decade, marking its 40th anniversary with a substantial investment in tackling the UK’s engineering skills crisis. The announcement coincides with Sutcliffe’s milestone celebrations, with the firm’s 40th anniversary event taking place on October 8th at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Bramley Moore. Operating from offices across Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, London and the Midlands with a team of over 65 employees, Sutcliffe’s decade-long commitment directly addresses critical industry projections. The Royal Academy of Engineering has warned the UK faces a shortage of up to 1.5 million engineers by 2030, while ECITB data shows 91,000 engineers – representing 19% of the current workforce – are approaching retirement by 2026. This skills shortage threatens to undermine the Government’s ‘Build Baby Build’ target of delivering 1.5 million new homes, with engineering capacity becoming an increasingly critical bottleneck in housing delivery nationwide. Throughout its four-decade history, Sutcliffe has maintained a strong commitment to developing new talent, with a significant proportion of the current team having begun their careers with the company. The firm’s proven track record includes comprehensive apprenticeship programmes, graduate development schemes, and mentoring initiatives that have developed hundreds of engineering careers. The initiative addresses the growing financial barriers facing young engineers, with four-year university engineering degrees now costing up to £89,000, creating significant obstacles for talented individuals seeking to enter the profession. Sean Keyes, CEO at Sutcliffe, said: “The construction industry I joined over four decades ago is facing an unprecedented challenge. We’re looking at a skills crisis where nearly one in five engineers will retire just as demand for engineering expertise is set to surge by 28%. This isn’t simply an industry issue – it’s a fundamental threat to our ability to deliver the homes and infrastructure our communities desperately need. “At Sutcliffe, we take pride in nurturing talent from the ground up. Some of our most senior engineers today started their journey with us as apprentices or graduates, and they’re now leading complex projects across the UK. Our commitment to train 40 new engineers over the next decade isn’t just about securing our own future – it’s about ensuring our industry has the skilled professionals needed to tackle the challenges ahead. “We’re not waiting for others to act. This is about taking responsibility and investing in the next generation who will inherit the built environment we’re creating today. The young engineers we train now will be the ones solving tomorrow’s challenges, and we’re determined to give them every opportunity to excel and lead the way forward. We have a responsibility to pass on our knowledge to the next generation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Why Every Commercial Site Needs An Emergency Plumber Plan
Plumbing problems can strike without warning. One moment your systems are fine, and the next, water is pouring through the ceiling or toilets have stopped working. It’s easy to overlook these risks until they cause real disruption. That’s why every commercial property needs a solid emergency plumbing plan that’s ready to go the moment trouble hits. Minimising Downtime and Business Disruption When a burst pipe or clogged drains stop business, every minute counts. Commercial facilities with a reliable plan recover faster and avoid prolonged closures. For instance, having an experienced plumber in Austin on call who provides emergency plumbing services around the clock can make all the difference during a sudden system failure. The same approach applies wherever your business operates because having dependable support from a local plumber keeps the situation under control. Even minor plumbing repairs can cause major setbacks if not handled fast. A leaking tap, overflowing toilets, or low pressure can halt operations and frustrate tenants or customers. Acting quickly limits downtime and shows your commitment to safety. With an organised plan, you know who to contact and what to do until help arrives. Protecting Property and Assets Water damage spreads faster than most people expect. Once it starts, it can ruin flooring, destroy stored goods, and short-circuit electrical systems. The best way to prevent this is by knowing which areas are most at risk and strengthening them before issues appear. Below are key zones that deserve extra attention: Reviewing these areas regularly helps you catch problems before they escalate. By being proactive, you protect not only your property but also your business continuity and finances. Meeting Health and Safety Standards A plumbing emergency can easily become a health hazard. Overflowing drains or sewage leaks spread bacteria and create unsafe working conditions. The longer you delay repairs, the more likely it is that contamination will occur. Having licensed plumbers and certified technicians ready to respond ensures compliance and quick action. Your emergency plan should align with local safety regulations. It should outline who to contact, what to isolate, and how to maintain hygiene during incidents. This preparation keeps your site compliant and reassures employees and visitors that their safety matters. In many industries, that readiness is part of professional duty, not just convenience. Cost Control and Budget Efficiency Emergency situations can quickly become expensive if you’re unprepared. When there’s no plan in place, you often face higher rates for emergency plumbing repair or replacement parts. A clear strategy helps you manage these moments with less stress and lower costs. Prevention is always cheaper than crisis response. Taking time to understand key factors when choosing an emergency plumber helps you avoid hidden fees and poor workmanship. By reviewing credentials and comparing response times early, you can secure fair pricing and consistent service. Including preventative maintenance programs in your plan saves money by catching small issues before they grow. Enhancing Reputation and Trust Your response to emergencies shapes how people view your business. Tenants and customers appreciate fast action and professionalism. If you handle plumbing issues quickly and calmly, they’ll remember your care and reliability. That trust builds stronger relationships and long-term loyalty. Preparedness also shows pride in your operations. When your site stays clean, safe, and functional even during setbacks, it reflects well on your management. People are more likely to rent, invest, or collaborate with a company that’s organised and dependable. In short, being ready protects more than your pipes because it also protects your image. Building a Practical Emergency Plumber Plan A strong emergency plumber plan gives your business structure when every second matters. You don’t have to overcomplicate it. Start with a few practical steps. Below is a simple checklist you can follow: Following these steps ensures your plan stays relevant and effective. You’ll know exactly what to do and who to call when plumbing emergencies strike, reducing confusion and downtime. Conclusion Plumbing failures never wait for a convenient moment. They can flood a building, stop operations, and damage your reputation all at once. Having an emergency plumber plan in place keeps you calm and confident when things go wrong. Preparation gives you control, and that’s what keeps your business safe, strong, and running smoothly.