Horbury Group - General - Rotherham

Date: 10 Jan 2008

Bernard Atkinson, chairman of the Horbury Group of companies, is stepping down from his position at the Rotherham based construction specialist.

Following huge success with expansion into eight separate companies and a turnover growing from £1.4m in its first year to £62million and employing 800 people nationally, Bernard is leaving to take early retirement.

The company was formed in 1993 by Bernard and Trevor Wragg. They were disillusioned by construction industry practices and a lack of vision among larger companies, so set out with customer focus at the heart of their practice.

Bernard, from Burncross in Sheffield, said: "We started the Horbury Group from some converted outbuildings at my home and launched into a particularly weak market.

"Those early years were really challenging for us and it was a full time job trying to keep the banks on side, but we had the best people around us and I had no doubt that the business would do well.

"I didn't ever anticipate that the success of the Horbury Group would extend quite as far as it has done, but now that the company is secure and profitable, I feel that my work is done and it is time for me to take life a little easier.

"My plan for the next 12 months is to do nothing whatsoever, just to relax and perhaps visit Marbella, where I have a holiday retreat."

Bernard has operated other successful businesses in the construction industries, including his co-ownership of Baris Holdings, which was floated on the stock market in 1989.

Trevor Wragg, managing director of the Horbury Group, said: "Bernard has massive experience in the construction industries. His experience spanned 30 years before we started at Horbury, so it is fully understandable that he wants to step back from it now and enjoy a different pace of life."

Bernard will continue to be involved with Horbury Estates, which is primarily concerned with property development.

Trevor Wragg with Bernard Atkinson at Bernard's retirement party

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