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I currently chair the Development Company and am a founder member of its Board. After obtaining a degree in Economics I worked for British Rail before moving on to a career encompassing Management Consultancy and a wide variety of projects in retail, healthcare, transport, tourism and outplacement work. I was the Development Officer for the Heart of Wales Line Forum for over 15 years and was until recently a Board Member for the Association of Community Rail Partnerships. I believe that better use of the Heart of Wales Line offers great opportunities to help with the regeneration of the communities and businesses that it serves. The Development Company offers volunteer directors the opportunity to take this work forward.
3 years ago I had no interest in trains or rail travel beyond occasional use as a practical form of transport. In 2018 we moved house and became full time residents in one of the stations on the Heart of Wales Line. Since then rail has literally become part of everyday life and with that has come an appreciation of what the line means to the communities that are scattered along it.
When the chance to become involved with the Development Company came up I eagerly put my name forward, enthusiastic to help them further develop the potential for the Heart of Wales Line to bring benefits to those who live along the route and the many visitors who come to the area . Although it’s early days for me, I look forward to using my project management skills to help the Development Company achieve its’ aims, particularly where those aims align with personal interests around cycling and walking.
Richard has worked for the majority of his career in the public sector originally as a Town Planner and becoming responsible for planning and transport in a large Unitary Authority in England before becoming Director of Technical Services at Carmarthenshire County Council from 2003 until he retired in 2014. In this later role he was responsible for a range of front line services including transport and highways and he worked extensively with Welsh Government and public private and third sector partners to deliver and enhance transport infrastructure and public transport provision .Since 2014 he has been Chair of Public Transport Information Cymru which delivers the bi-lingual Traveline service for Wales .
Richard originates from Gloucestershire and is a long standing , and long suffering , supporter of Bristol Rovers FC.
Being based in the heart of Wales for nearly 50 years and enjoying its many benefits, I am nevertheless only too aware of the problems we face; not least the limitations of and threats to local public transport.
I have worked in many sectors and in many countries and grown my own hospitality business from nothing to 4 units, an experience I try to share, particularly within my role of Treasurer Director.
Latterly the Senior Standards Verifier for Higher Management qualifications, I travelled across the UK and saw the importance of combining continual personal development with experience to help organisations achieve goals and cope with an ever-changing world. I combine my particular interest in business law and finance relating to small business with, where possible, a hands-on approach.
Apart from a dedication to DevCo, I am involved as Treasurer/Director with a local Charity where I aim to give something back to my, my children’s and grandchildren’s mid-Wales community.