Beard has made two senior appointments in Mike Hedges and Jamie Harwood as they expand to new offices on the south coast
Beard’s double senior appointments follow a bumper year of completion in school and listed building projects.
Both appointees will bring around 50 years of experience to the role and start in January 2024.
Mike Hedges previously led the new Bristol office
Mike Hedges has been promoted from director to the new position of company operations director, where he will oversee all of Beard’s offices including its headquarters in Swindon, and its Bristol, Oxford and Guildford offices. He will also oversee a new south coast office which is set to open in early 2024.
Mike joined Beard in 2015 as construction director to head up its new Bristol office. Following success in Bristol, Mike’s role quickly expanded to support the growth and development of its other regional offices, working closely with chairman Mark Beard and his fellow directors.
Mike has nearly three decades of experience in the construction sector, having previously worked for Wates Construction for close to 20 years.
Mike Hedges said: “For more than 130 years, Beard has not only built fantastic buildings, but a formidable reputation across a variety of key sectors. As we embark on this next stage of growth and expand with a brand-new office, I’m really pleased to be taking on the exciting role of company operations director.
“It is a great opportunity to work closely with our talented people and fantastic supply partners, while ensuring that our principles of excellent relationships and prompt and faultless delivery are maintained.”
Jamie Harwood will now lead Beard’s entire safety strategy
Jamie Harwood, Beard’s director for the Swindon region, has taken additional responsibility as safety director. This new role will build on Beard’s health and safety record with Jamie now spearheading the entire company safety strategy. He will also continue in his role as Swindon director.
Jamie joined Beard in 2019 and was promoted to the role of Swindon director in 2021. His 25-year construction career began at Bristol-based Cowlin Construction, before joining Midas in 2013. As Swindon director, Jamie is responsible for the nearly 100-stong office and a series of construction projects which range from small maintenance jobs to complex, multi-million-pound developments.
Jamie Harwood commented: “The safety of our people is paramount, and I’m honoured to be taking on the new safety director role. The safety strategy will continue Beard’s long-standing commitment to ensuring all staff and stakeholders get home safely every day.“
