CHAIRMAN BRIAN G WARD RETIRES AFTER 48 YEARS

On February 13, Senior Hargreaves, one of the UK's largest manufacturers of specialist HVAC ductwork, will say farewell to Brian G Ward.  After 48 years with the company, ten of them as managing director, he leaves with Hargreaves enjoying a healthy order book, at a time when much of the construction industry has experienced mixed fortunes.

	Brian's career has been exclusively with the heating and ventilation ductwork specialist.  He joined the company in 1956 from Bury Technical School and began training as an apprentice sheet metalworker, training both at the company and at Bury Technical College.  While still an apprentice, he began working as a fitter on-site and spent 24 years leading installation teams on technically advanced and prestige projects.  Key projects included installing systems for the accelerated life testing of the prototype Concorde and work for the nuclear industry at the prototype Windscale Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor.  

	In 1978, Brian became contracts administration director, then works director in 1980.  He became managing director in 1993.  "Hargreaves has always been a company at the forefront of technology," Brian explained.  "In addition to recent nuclear decommissioning work - where the equipment we have installed meets the most exacting performance standards - we will also be working on prestige projects in the capital such as the new Wembley Stadium, Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Canary Wharf and St Pancras Station.  Work starts soon on new laboratories for Welcome Trust at South Fields in Cambridge and there is ongoing work for the MOD."

	Brian will be missed within the industry.  Commenting on the contribution Brian has made to the HVAC industry, Michael Ohly, managing director of Hotchkiss commented "I have always found Brian a man of utmost integrity and honesty in everything he does with a passion for education and training of young people and the highest standards at all times."  His sentiments were echoed by Craig Hutchinson of Galloway who added, "Brian has always been totally unselfish in offering his vast experience and wisdom to anyone in the industry that needed his help.  His council will be sorely missed.  We at the Galloway Group wish Brian and Elsie a long and happy retirement."

	In his retirement, Brian does not intend to slow down.  "I have a passionate belief in the value of training and I am keen to continue to make a contribution to the local community."  Brian will continue to be a governor of Bury College, working with the principal, Dr. Helen Gilchrist CBE.  He also holds directorships with the new North Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Bolton/Bury Chamber and independent engineering training provider, Alliance Learning.  "I also want to find more time for charity fundraising and country pursuits.  My wife and I will complete our exploration of the Pennine Way and some areas in the Yorkshire Dales and Scotland that have a special attraction to us."


More information:
Mark Barry, Senior Hargreaves, Tel. +44 (0)161 764 5082 Fax. +44 (0)161 762 2336
E-mail: m.barry@senior-hargreaves.co.uk Web: www.hargreaves-ductwork.co.uk

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/ha166/3616ha1a.htm

February 10, 2004