A year of determination, teamwork and more than a few creative challenges has seen colleagues at construction firm Beard raise a record-breaking £170,000 for charities across the south of England.
The fundraising total, achieved during 2025, supported five charities chosen by Beard’s regional offices, with each team taking responsibility for organising events and challenges close to home. From endurance cycling and skydiving to quizzes, sports days and themed lunches, the effort touched thousands of lives in the communities where the company operates.
In Swindon, the Beard team raised £12,800 for the Youth Adventure Trust, helping to support 260 young people through residential camps and activity days designed to build confidence, resilience and essential life skills.
Elsewhere, Bristol colleagues raised £9,300 for Grief Encounter, funding therapy sessions and creative workshops for children dealing with bereavement. Oxford led the way with £23,400 for the Oxford University Sport and Community Partnership, widening access to sport for young people, while Guildford raised £22,000 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, supporting care for people at the end of their lives. Southampton added £4,000 for Naomi House & Jacksplace, helping to fund play sessions and specialist support for seriously ill children and young adults.
Much of the fundraising was match-funded by the Beard Construction Charity Foundation, bringing the company’s direct charitable giving to £171,500 for the year. Since the Foundation was set up in 2016, it has now donated more than £500,000 to causes championed by Beard staff and rooted in local communities.
Company chairman Mark Beard said the achievement reflected the values of the business.
“I am extremely proud of what the team achieved last year and of their continued commitment to supporting local charities and good causes,” he said. “We aim to look beyond the site hoardings and make a positive difference in the places where we work.”
Among the standout moments of 2025 were Pedal to Paris, which saw nine colleagues cycle more than 330 kilometres from Farnham to the French capital, and the second Beard Cyclathon in Oxford, where teams from across the construction industry battled it out on static bikes.
Teams also showed their lighter side, with a first-ever sports day in Southampton, a charity golf day in Bristol and a 15,000-foot skydive taken on by five brave colleagues. International Day of Charity brought all five offices together for a packed day of fast-paced challenges, raising £1,200 in a single day.
Beyond fundraising, Beard colleagues gave their time and skills to community projects, from redecorating a Girl Guides headquarters near Trowbridge Town Hall to supporting students and donating materials for construction training.
From January 2026, the Beard Construction Charity Foundation’s assets will be managed by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, strengthening its ability to connect local businesses with causes that matter.
