Faces of Boyer: Simon Barry
As part of our Faces of Boyer series for our 40th anniversary, we’re catching up with the people who’ve grown alongside the business—like Simon Barry, Director at Boyer Cardiff.
From Graduate Planner to Director
Simon joined Boyer in June 2005 as a Graduate Planner, fresh from completing his master’s degree at Cardiff University.
“The Cardiff office was pretty small back then—just five of us in a little space on Cathedral Road,” Simon recalls. “Now we’ve grown to more than 15 people in the office, which is fantastic to see.”
Over the years, Simon has climbed the career ladder, holding every planning role along the way. “I’ve literally had every job title going—I’ve still got the business cards to prove it!”
Supporting the Next Generation
When Simon started, graduate development was a little more informal. Today, he’s proud to see how much investment Boyer puts into training and mentoring.
“The support we now give to younger colleagues is brilliant. It’s great to be part of a team where sharing knowledge and offering guidance is such a priority.”
Why Boyer?
For Simon, the magic of Boyer lies in the people.
“It’s always been about the people—past and present. I’ve learnt so much from former directors and colleagues over the years, and now I’m in a position to pay it forward and support those just starting out.”
Boyer’s supportive culture has also made a lasting impact on Simon’s career:
“There’s a really healthy work/life balance here. Everyone works hard, but we do it in a way that’s encouraging, not pressurised.”
The Evolving Role of Planning
Simon has witnessed a significant shift in how planning is viewed publicly.
“The public profile of planning—and planners—has grown enormously over the last 20 years. There’s more media interest, more scrutiny, and far more policy and guidance to stay on top of. Planners today need a much broader knowledge base, and that can be a real challenge.”
Advice for New Planners
Simon’s advice for those entering the profession?
“Yes, you need to stay up to date with policy and guidance—but relationships are just as important. Whether it’s with clients, local authorities or colleagues, being respectful and building trust makes all the difference.”
A Throwback to the Early Days
One memory that stands out?
“For the first five years of my career, we had to handwrite our timesheets and fax them to HQ. That makes me feel ancient!”
Thanks for sharing your story, Simon—and for everything you’ve contributed to Boyer over the past 19 years!