IoD Surrey Delivering Success for Businesses in Surrey

Her career began working in delivering large scale health and social welfare programmes in Scotland before returning to London to work on economic regeneration and growth in Lambeth, London. Prior to joining Surrey County Council in early 2020 she worked for Essex County Council, delivering sub-regional economic strategy and driving economic benefits through partnership working. All her work has focused on the development of meaningful relationships between local government and business which she believes is fundamental to delivering positive, sustainable economic outcomes.

Richard worked in the City of London for over 25 years. Having qualified with Price Waterhouse, Richard joined the corporate finance department of Hill Samuel Bank in 1987 prior to moving with the team to Close Brothers Corporate Finance (“CBCF”) in 1996. Richard was Chief Executive of CBCF during its most successful growth period between 2001 and 2007. During this time, Richard was involved driving the growth of the UK business and developing and expanding Close Brothers International. Previously, he ran the Leisure and Retail Team and founded their Restructuring Team. Richard sat on the Management Board of Close Brothers Group plc for six years and finished as Chairman of CBCF in June 2009.

An Oxford graduate and a qualified Chartered Accountant, Richard is currently Chairman of Liberation Group, the brewer, pub owner and drinks wholesaler and Chairman of McKay Securities PLC, a Property Investment Trust (REIT). He is a trustee of Horatio’s Garden, a spinal injuries charity. Previous roles include the Chairmanships of Safestore Plc, Palmer & Harvey PLC, Ipes and Harrington Brooks.