Richard was previously Managing Director of Neales Waste Management until July 2012 when he completed a sale of the business. Having started the company with 6 employees and built it into a multi-site operation employing 150 people offering a complete range of series in waste and recycle management. In 1991, he became Director of Blackburn Rovers FC and later took up the role of Vice Chairman overseeing the strategies and operation of the club. Richard previously held the position of Chairman of Northcote Leisure Group which at the time consisted of Northcote Hotel Limited and Ribble Valley Inn.