Richard joined Harper Adams in 1990 and established a Technology Transfer Unit to assist with the development of the University's food potential. He left in 1996 having built up local, regional and national networks across the food industry. He set up the Hartington Group based in Newport in 1996..

The Hartington Group provides business solutions to food and drink companies across the UK. The Company has a team of over 80 senior associates, most of whom have operated at Board level in the food and drink industry. The work is primarily with food processing and manufacturing and is about improving efficiency and their financial position. Contacts across the whole food chain are essential.

The majority of Hartington client companies have a turnover of between £15m and £200m.

Richard lives in Edgmond. He is a former Trustee of Market Drayton Musicland and is presently Chair of the Ministry Division of the Lichfield Diocese Richard has supported the concept of the food connection from the outset and early on, drew attention to the opportunities the network offered for the growth of inter-activity between members.