Loading... Business
After University, he realised the need to earn money was paramount in the short term. He then began his career in business with a postgraduate scheme with John Lewis where he eventually became the assistant to the managing director of Waitrose after a long stint at Trewins in Watford.
In 1983, together with two friends from University, he set up Harvington Properties, a property development company. The company expanded significantly through the decade and took on a number of projects including the redevelopment of a National Power-owned station in Wales which was demolished to make way for 750 homes.
Harvington remains a thriving business of which Richard is a shareholder of and a non-executive Director.
In 1990 Richard became a shareholder and managing director of a company active in the development, sales and management of holiday resorts in both the UK and Europe. The company was sold to a listed American company at the end of the decade with Richard staying on as chairman until 2000. When he left, the company employed more than 2,000 people.
Other business successes included the restoration of one of Glasgow’s most famous hotels, One Devonshire Gardens which was saved from dereliction along with scores of local jobs it provided. He is also a significant shareholder and non-executive director of Eden Financial, a wealth management business in the City.
