Overview
Welcome back to The Glass Girls Podcast — your go-to series for all things glass, glazing, and the inspiring people behind the scenes at Regency Glass. In Episode Two, Nat and Lauren sit down with Bradley Beazant, our Facilities Manager, and Les Lang, our long-standing Property Advisor, for an in-depth look into the incredible journey of transforming an abandoned 1950s industrial building into our modern, sustainable manufacturing facility in Leigh.
00:00 – 00:40 | Introducing the Podcast and Guests
Nat and Lauren kick off the episode by welcoming Brad and Les, setting the scene for a discussion about Regency’s facility transformation—a project that blends personal commitment and long-term strategy.
00:40 – 01:00 | Brad’s Career Journey
Brad shares his unique path at Regency, starting straight out of university on the factory floor. Over time, he transitioned into a leadership role as Facilities Manager, bringing both hands-on experience and operational insight to the company’s infrastructure.
01:00 – 01:44 | Les’ Property Background
With over 40 years in property and development, Les explains his longstanding relationship with Regency and his role in advising Darren Beazant on site acquisitions, including their eventual new facility.
01:44 – 02:54 | The Search for the New Facility
Les recalls the difficulty of finding a suitable site close to Leigh. After years of searching, a key opportunity opened up when a housing project fell through—an unexpected break that turned into a major win.
02:54 – 04:04 | First Impressions of the Site
Brad and Les describe the initial condition of the building: an outdated, 1950s-era shell with severe neglect. Despite its state, they saw immense potential in its structure and location.
04:04 – 05:58 | The Renovation Timeline and Challenges
The site was purchased in December 2017 and underwent a complete transformation by the following December. The team faced enormous tasks: rewiring the building, re-cladding its exterior, and leveling the floors to support high-precision machinery.
05:58 – 06:32 | Sustainability Achievements
Through efficient design and strategic reuse of the existing framework, the facility achieved an EPC A rating—a rare feat for a refurbished industrial building. This speaks to Regency’s commitment to sustainability.
06:32 – 09:09 | Internal Project Management
Rather than outsourcing the project, Regency led the build internally. Brad managed construction day-to-day, adjusting timelines and layouts to meet real-time needs—an approach that allowed for agility and cost control.
09:09 – 11:01 | Hidden Challenges During Renovation
Renovation unearthed surprises—literally. Underground obstacles and unexpectedly resilient concrete flooring slowed progress, forcing the team to adapt and problem-solve continuously.
11:01 – 12:33 | Benefits of the New Space
The upgraded facility brought immediate benefits: improved staff wellbeing, better natural light, smoother workflow, and enough space to ensure COVID-safe operations without compromising productivity.
12:33 – 14:12 | Personal Highlights for Brad and Les
Brad enjoys the day-to-day ownership of maintaining the facility and supporting the team inside it. Les takes pride in the long-term value created—from derelict site to a flagship asset for Regency.
14:12 – 15:19 | COVID Preparedness
The timing of the move proved critical. Just before the pandemic, the new facility allowed for physical distancing, flexible shifts, and continued operations—all without disruption.
15:19 – 15:57 | Strategic Location
Only one mile from the previous site, the move avoided workforce disruption. Staff commutes were unchanged, yet the facility offered a massive upgrade in function and scale.
15:57 – 16:29 | A Decade of Persistence
Les reveals that Regency first approached the site’s owners 10 years earlier. Their interest never wavered, and consistent follow-up paid off when the land finally became available.
16:29 – End | Inspirations and Final Thoughts
Les shares how he’s been inspired by Regency’s passion and professionalism. Brad highlights the integrity and leadership that make the company culture stand out—a driving force behind successful projects like this one.
