Collard is a family-run business, and we’re proud to have many examples of multigenerational families within our company, such as the Barter family.
Pat Barter is a site manager; his son, Sonny, is a contracts manager, and his other son, Ty, who joined most recently, is also a site manager.
Pat is a highly experienced and respected employee who joined Collard during the pandemic after being made redundant by his previous employer of thirty years. Now in his sixties, he’s an industry veteran with extensive experience, having dedicated his entire career to demolition.
But what makes him perfect for Collard is his appetite to keep learning and developing, despite his extensive experience. He often says, “Every day is a learning day!” and views industry changes, such as technological advancements, as valuable opportunities for everyone to improve.
Passing knowledge to the next generation
Pat’s commitment to training and developing younger, less-experienced industry colleagues is unrivalled; he’s passionate about taking them under his wing and sharing his knowledge with them.
According to his team, one of Pat’s well-known catchphrases is: “The first handshake is with the eyes!” He believes people form their first impression based on what they see on-site, even before any formal greeting. Because of this, he encourages his team to uphold impeccable site standards.
“Every day is a learning day!”
Pat Barker on what makes him perfect for Collard
Two generations at Collard
Pat has also mentored both sons, Sonny and Ty. Eldest son Sonny has progressed from a demolition labourer to a contracts manager. He now runs multiple demolition jobs at any one time, leading a team of site managers, including his dad and his brother Ty.
Sonny said, “Dad’s been instrumental in my career progression at Collard. At 23, I left the armed forces without any idea of what my next career move would be; my dad encouraged me to venture into demolition, and because Collard is growing so rapidly, I’ve had the promotion opportunities that I don’t think I’d get elsewhere.”
Sonny’s brother, Ty, is Collard’s most recent addition from the Barter family.
Sonny added, “My brother is one of the best site managers in the UK. So, when I secured my contract manager position at Collard, an organisation winning more and more work, I knew I needed Ty on board. In the end, he gave in to the encouragement from Dad and me, and he’s already enjoying it and making a massive difference here.”
“My brother is one of the best site managers in the UK”
Sonny Barker on his brother Ty.
Benefits to the broader industry
Outside of Collard, Dad Pat’s passion for sharing his demolition knowledge has led him to volunteer with the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) arm of the UK’s Fire & Rescue Service for much of his career.
This came about when a USAR representative approached Pat while he was working on-site and asked whether he’d be interested in helping train their members on the safety issues surrounding building collapses.
Pat has consulted on the design of demolition-playground buildings to help firefighters gain practical skills. He even attended the much-reported Atherstone-on-Stour fire, which sadly claimed the lives of four firefighters.
Daryll Pynigar (GInSTR), Watch Manager from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, said: ”I am a firm believer that Pat Barter is an exceptional individual who has made a significant contribution to our team in the fire service. His unwavering commitment, outstanding leadership skills, and dedication to excellence have set him apart as a true asset not only to our organisation but to everyone he supports.”
