Before joining Memetic, Richard founded Proof Communication, one of the UK’s first specialist science communications agencies. He grew the firm year on year into Europe’s leading agency in the field and an award-winning business.

During that time, he worked with industry bodies, national laboratories and public-sector innovation programmes to communicate complex research agendas and demonstrate long-term societal and economic value. He supported the launch of several landmark science and innovation initiatives across Europe, including the UK Government’s Knowledge Transfer Networks, the European Piezoelectric Institute and the UK Cyber Security Challenge.

Richard also knows how to link strategic communications to financial and policy outcomes. He developed the communications strategy supporting the sale of theLaboratory of the Government Chemist, and helped European research programmes evidence the long-term commercial impact of their work to secure continued public investment. In the private sector, he advised several FTSE 100 companies, including Babcock, Serco and Capita, helping them define clear, compelling propositions for customers and partners. He worked closely with business development and bidding teams to create consistent, differentiated messaging that strengthened tender submissions and supported procurement processes.

 After selling Proof, Richard spent five years client-side in the defence technology sector, leading strategic communications for QinetiQ. He oversaw strategy, content and media engagement, significantly raising the company’s profile and using communications as a strategic lever to unlock new commercial opportunities.

He is an advocate for disciplined, substance-led communications in science and innovation, and for raising the standard of strategic thinking in how complex technologies are brought to market.

Richard is a lifelong Arsenal supporter and is therefore no stranger to patience, spirited debate, and the firm belief that a well-executed strategy will eventually pay off.