Business Representative (Rural Economy Sponsor)
Richard is Managing Director of Fargro Limited. Based in West Sussex, Fargro is a leading supplier and distributor of specialist horticultural products, energy, machinery, finance services and consultancy to commercial growers throughout the UK. Fargro is recognised as a UK authority in the field of bio-pesticides and IPM-compatible (Integrated Pest Management) plant protection products for the ornamental sectors, hardy nursery stock, top and soft fruit, amenity, forestry and field vegetables sectors. Fargro was established 75 years ago and is proud to hold a Royal Warrant granted by her Majesty the Queen. It was first granted in 1971, it has been awarded every 5 years since.
Before horticulture and joining the rural industries, Richard spent 25 years leading businesses in cloud and unified communications, pioneering online payment solutions, entertainment services, telecare and offshoring business process outsourcers into Kenya, RSA, British Guiana and the EU.
Richard is Chair of the West Sussex Growers' Association, which represents horticultural producers in the region with a combined turnover in excess of £1bn, with 10,000 FTE employees. He is a 'CEO Group' Member of the Agricultural Industries Confederation (crop protection and agronomy sector), whose members represent £6.5 billion turnover at farmgate. Since 2017 Richard has been an Adviser for the Coast to Capital Enterprise Adviser Network (EAN).
Outside work Richard is an enthusiastic cook, keen gardener, frequent hiker and occasional runner.
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