Richard’s Arena

• Sectors: Electric vehicles, commercial vehicles, maritime, automotive and technology start-ups, from prototype development to early-stage manufacturing.

• Technical focus: Hands-on prototype build, product development, manufacturing set-up, connected vehicle technology and telematics.

• Functional expertise: Commercial and operational leadership, business development, fundraising, early customer acquisition, start-up growth and board-level advisory.

Superpowers

• Sees the solution quickly and defines a clear, practical route from initial idea and prototype to manufacturing and market.

• Combines hands-on technical knowledge with commercial thinking to establish operations and deliver products.

• Wins and retains early customers while building the operational foundations needed for growth.

• Works seamlessly from shop floor to boardroom, aligning technical teams, commercial priorities and senior stakeholders.

Impact in Action

• UK EV Truck Manufacturing: Envisioned and delivered the initial manufacturing capability for a UK electric truck company in 2019, helping move the business towards early-stage production.

• Series Hybrid EV Development: Led design and sourcing direction and provided hands-on expertise to build the first prototype 7.5-tonne series hybrid electric truck in 2016.

• Connected Vehicle Innovation: Launched a driver behaviour solution for TNT in 2013, securing board-level support and delivering fuel savings worth thousands of pounds alongside a 90% reduction in accidents.

Working Style

• Supportive: Works closely with teams, helping them navigate challenges and turn ideas into practical solutions.

• Driven: Keeps people focused on priorities, progress and delivering results.

• Straight-talking: Communicates clearly, makes decisions easier and keeps everyone aligned on the path forward.