Tribute paid to Hargreaves co-founder

The friend and business partner of builder and surveyor Gerry Sweeney of Hargreaves Contracting has paid tribute following Sweeney’s death at the age of 63.

Michael Moorhouse, managing director of Accrington-based Hargreaves, writes:

“Gerry was a devoted family man who travelled extensively around world, but was equally at home walking around the countryside with his dog.

“Gerry was a true gentlemen and consummate professional renowned for his open and fair management style. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched both personally and professionally.

“A chartered builder and surveyor, Sweeney first started work in the North West in 1995 when he joined John Sisk & Son, soon becoming regional director. Prior to his move to the North, Gerry had worked in Gibraltar, the Middle East and the Midlands on a variety of construction and civil engineering projects.

“In 2000, he assumed the role of managing director of the nascent Northern division of McInerney Homes, following the acquisition of Bolton-based William Hargreaves.

“Sweeney managed and presided over the growth of the division for more than 10 years before the McInerney Group succumbed to the collapse of the UK residential market and went into administration in 2011.

“Having vowed never to return to a publicly listed company career, Sweeney and his long-time friend and co-director Mick Moorhouse, went on to establish Hargreaves Contracting. As commercial director, Sweeney helped steer the company through strategic growth across the North West construction industry.”

Sweeney died last weekend following a short illness.