Regional construction group Beard, which opened an office in Bristol last year, has appointed David Sershall as managing director as it maintains its strong growth.
David, pictured, joins the Swindon-based family-owned business from Hertfordshire engineering and construction company VolkerFitzpatrick, where he was managing director of the building division. 
He takes over the post from Mark Beard, who becomes executive chairman. Under Mr Beard’s stewardship of the business over the past 17 years it has been transformed from a small local builder turning over £18m and with profits of £250,000 to a regional group with a £110m turnover and £2.9m profits.
Part of its growth has included winning high-profile contracts in Bristol, including the £5.3m conversion of Norfolk House – the former HM Revenue and Customs tax office in Water Lane – into high-specification student accommodation and is currently working for the University of Bristol.
It is also working on the refurbishment of Bush House – home to the Arnolfini art gallery – and has completed a new visitor centre at historic Clevedon Pier.
David will have overall responsibility for driving quality across Beard, which undertakes design and build, new build, restoration and refurbishment projects valued up to £12m for public and private sector organisations across the South of England.
As well as its Swindon and Bristol offices it also has bases in Oxford and Guildford.
The group was established in 1892 and has significant expertise in building for the healthcare, arts and culture, commerce and industry, education, ecclesiastical, elderly care, sports and leisure and defence sectors.
It has grown strongly in recent years – last year it achieved a pre-tax profits rise of 24% and an increase in turnover of 26%.
David, who has more than 28 years’ construction industry experience, will also head Beard’s Oxford construction business when its director John Youle steps down from the role at the end of next month.
David said: “Beard is a highly respected, successful and forward-thinking construction business which has built its success on talented people who are committed to prompt and faultless project delivery.
“I believe there’s a great opportunity to capitalise on the company’s strong reputation in both the private and public sectors and I am excited to be in a position to help deliver the next part of its growth plans across the South of England.”
Mark Beard added: “David is a great fit for the business and we’re delighted to have him on board.
“He brings a wealth of operational management expertise to Beard, an in-depth knowledge of design management and significant experience delivering complex multi-million-pound construction projects. David also shares our passion for quality and I have every confidence that he will make a significant contribution to the continuing development and success of the company.”
David is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building and Institute of Directors. He started out as a trainee engineer with Wimpey Construction at the age of 18 and gained degrees in Building, Architecture and a master’s degree in Construction Project.
During his career he has worked for Morgan Sindall, Sisk, Morrison Construction Services and Carillion.
Two years ago Beard was named PwC South West of England Business of the Year and earlier this year appeared in the prestigious London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain report.
