Currently, Richard is the Commercial Champion and CEO designate of Novosound, a high tech spin out from University of the West of Scotland which is in the process of customer engagement fund raising. Richard also helps early stage technologists and companies plan and execute their value creation. His credentials for this role are based on his 20 years operational experience followed by 20 years in company start-ups including being one of the founders of Cascade Technologies, a Strathclyde University spin out that was created in 2003 and sold to Emerson Process Management in 2014. The company is the largest exit to date by Strathclyde University.

During the growth of Cascade Richard spent most of his time as Commercial Director leading the growth of its sales to OEM customers and end users as well as supporting fund raising. Since the acquisition by Emerson Richard has continued to promote and sell Cascades products globally, most recently in a consulting role.

Richard was educated at Strathclyde University where he gained a degree in Production Engineering and Management and he is a Chartered Engineer. After University he worked in a number of operational roles in high quality engineering companies; Howden Group (Nuclear manufacturing, power stations, wind turbines and tunnelling machines); Rolls Royce (Aero engine repair and overhaul) and in high volume manufacturing. Prior to involvement with Cascade, Richard worked with a number of early stage companies in the high tech field (synthetic crystal manufacture and medical devices) as both an employee, director and consultant.

This mix of engineering, operations, funding and commercial/sales experience is particularly useful in helping to grow high tech opportunities from start up to exit.