“…the best marketer I‘ve worked with.”
– Roisin Levine, Head of Partnerships at Wise (Worked with Richard at Funding Options)
“…huge amounts of customer empathy.”
– Hannah Voss, formerly Head of Marketing at Fluidly
My love of growing businesses against the odds began during the dot-com boom (and its inevitable bust).
I helped run Cyberia, one of the UK’s original internet pioneers, selling training and consultancy while the internet was still a novelty.
It was a wild ride. The landscape shifted daily. Budgets vanished overnight. But somehow, we found traction, securing training contracts with the BBC and delivering consultancy to the Cabinet Office. At just 26, I was invited to Downing Street to advise on internet strategy.
Since then, I’ve worked across all kinds of businesses, from scrappy start-ups to listed companies.
But the red-thread running through has always been growth.
I helped a publisher rebuild 25 websites ahead of a £100m+ exit.
I launched a financial trading platform with virtually no budget.
And at Funding Options, I joined as the first marketing director and, over four years, helped grow the business into the European category leader before its acquisition by Tide Bank.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was building something repeatable: a framework for growth.
Over the years, I kept seeing the same patterns. When things work, it’s not luck, it’s because you’ve got the right:
Strategy. Organisation. Process. Execution.
When those four line up, momentum follows. That’s what I bring to every engagement, whether I’m joining as a fractional CMO, advising founders, or coaching leadership teams and high-potential marketers.
>> Find out more about the SOPE Framework®
A few years ago, I stepped away from full-time roles. Not because I was done but because I wanted to work with more founders, more ambitious teams, and have more impact.
Through a portfolio career I can focus on what I love most: helping brilliant people grow great businesses.
And I can do that with the flexibility to meet you where you are – as a CMO, advisor, board member, or coach.
Yes, this is my story. But what matters more is yours.
Wherever you are right now, whether you’re scaling fast, stuck on a plateau, or gearing up for your next big move, I’m here to help you get to the next chapter.
Let’s write it together.
Launched the UK’s leading disruptive domestic solar installation platform, landed partnership deals and led the sales and marketing team. Also continued growth of energy switching platform despite the energy market collapse.
From MVP to European category leader in just four years. Under my direction, we moved from a handful of leads a month to thousands – while reducing CPC. In just three years we became Europe’s leading business finance marketplace.
Business sold to Tide.
Creation of the digital strategy and hiring of the digital team to transform the business.
Marketing launch and management of the UK’s leading spread-betting platform aimed at traditional investors. Business sold to CMC Markets – I moved to CMC Markets to head retention marketing.
Improved customer retention and lifetime value through identification of high churn potential customers and implementation of mitigation plans. Dramatically improved overall customer retention and NPS.
If you’re thinking working with me might be helpful for your business – or if you have any questions about my services – please book in a confidential and commitment-free call.
