An “absolute titan of business in the region” was awarded the President’s Medal at the annual meeting of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).
Roy Richardson, best known for his work with his late twin brother Don in transforming the landscape of Birmingham and the Black Country in the 1980s, was recognised by Saqib Bhatti for a life of achievements.
Mr Bhatti said: “I was delighted to present the honour to a genuinely humble man and his family. Roy and his family epitomise business as a force for good.”
Mr Richardson said: “I regard this award as a great honour and receive with pride. The success of the Richardson business is down to our employees.”
There was widespread praise for Roy and his family. Paul Faulkner, chief executive of the GBCC, said:
"Roy Richardson is an absolute titan of business in the region. He has great pride and passion and he and his family’s contribution to the regional business economy has been immense.
“This important and admirable contribution aligns absolutely with the ethos of the Chamber in looking after the interests of members and the wider business community.”
Qasim Majid, president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s marvellous to see a business figure such as Roy Richardson and his family being honoured in this way. He and his family’s contribution to the regional economy has been enormous.”
Beverley Nielsen, who works as executive director at the Institute of Design and Economic Acceleration at Birmingham City University, said: “I have worked with Roy and his family for 25 years and their willingness to provide help in a variety of ways has always been there and that ethos is carried forward by his sons.”
Julia Harrop, divisional director, corporate, Howden UK Group, said: “When you travel around and see the Richardson name on so many projects you realise how important the business is to the local economy.”
Robert Elliot, president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, said: “The award for Roy is fitting for a man and his family that has rightly been front and centre of the regional business scene for many years.”
Steve Brittan, business adviser at BSA in Birmingham and former president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Roy’s fighting spirit and his ability to get things done will go down as his legacy.”
Today, the Richardson business is run by Roy’s sons Martyn, Lee and Carl. The family remain active developers and investors, not only in the UK, but also in Europe, North America, Singapore and Australasia.
Current projects include 25 logistical hubs around the country to supply the rapidly expanding ‘click and collect’ market and a 750,000 square foot office development in central Manchester.
The family’s long established partnership with Europe’s retail outlet operator McArthurGlen has seen them establish schemes stretching from Vancouver to Rome and Salzburg.
The President’s Medal was made at the city’s famous Acme works.
The Richardson family is involved in successful international businesses. With roots in the West Midlands, it has business interests across the UK and around the world incorporating property and a diverse portfolio of developing businesses. It has also become well known for its work supporting a range of charitable and community causes, as well as the Armed Forces.
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Jan Jennings - email: jan.jennings06@gmail.com • mobile 07974 073731