Family History

Briar Mechanical began life over 60 years ago (1957) as Plumbing Services Ltd based in Cheam, Surrey. As a family run company, Briar has grown over the years, expanding its business to become a key partner to major housing developers in London and the South East of England.

Briar has recently relocated from Sutton to new offices at Kirk House in Reigate, Surrey.

Meet Our Team

Richard Gerrans

Owner / Director

Richard joined his father in the family plumbing business in 1977, working from Balham in South West London

Having carried out training at Ewell Technical college, Richard went on to become a Director in 1986, taking the business to a new office in Sutton and subsequently Reigate in 2018.

Richard is responsible for the financial and commercial matters of the business and helps run the out of town sites.

His son Christian has become the third generation to join the family business.

When not working Richard’s passion is surfing in Cornwall, swimming and cycling.

Stuart Bowdery

Owner / Director

Stuart joined the business in 1988 at the tender age of 19 and went on to become a director in 1999, then co owner in 2004.

Stuart started on the drawing board and worked his way up while completing an HNC in Building Services design.

For the past 25 years, Stuart has been responsible for all Briar’s London projects, working with a number of main contractors and high end developers.

Briar continues to work with many original clients.

Stuart is supported by a superb and loyal team of managers and engineers. Many of this team have been with the business since the early nineties.

More recently Stuart’s son Luke joined the business continuing Briar’s tradition of employing family and friends.

When not working Stuart enjoys travel and riding or driving anything with an engine attached.

Marc Carey

Commercial Manager

Marc joined Briar Mechanical in 2014, where he began as a Site Supervisor covering site administration and QA checks, before quickly working his way up to Site Manager.

In 2017, Marc was promoted to Commercial Manager with responsibilities for estimating, contract management, as well as involvement with design and technical aspects.

In his spare time Marc loves spending time with his fast growing family. He also has a keen interest in sports, including football, boxing and fishing.

David Le Rendu

Projects Director

David joined Briar Mechanical in 1991, as a self-employed contractor. Over the past 30 years David has progressed with Briar, moving from Site Supervisor to his current position of Projects Director. During this time, David has overseen successful completion of over 4600 new and refurbished apartments, houses and commercial units in London and the South East.

In addition to directing projects, David has also guided 16 apprentices into the industry, including his sons, George and Charlie, as well as friends’ and relatives’ sons.  Several of these apprentices have moved into management positions within Briar.

 

Lucy Watret

Customer Care & Accounts Manager

After working for a construction company, Lucy join Briar Mechanical in April 2016. Lucy studied in her spare time, to qualify in bookkeeping and accounts.

Lucy is now responsible for accounts, payroll, general finance and all office management. She also ensures the office runs smoothly, as well as dealing with customers care queries.

In her spare time Lucy enjoys walking her dog, going to the gym, travelling, socialising and enjoying the odd G&T!

George Newton

Contracts Manager

George joined Briar Mechanical in February 2010 as an apprentice plumber, completing his NVQ level two and three in plumbing and heating. George then went on to become a Gas Safety Registered Engineer.

In September 2013 George became an on-site supervisor running various projects and was then promoted to Contract Manager in March 2017.

Outside of work, George’s interests are a variety of sports, including Formula 1, football, rugby and cricket. He also enjoys listening to music, travelling, socialising with friends and spending time with his family.