Founder and leader of Richmond Business Network retires

David Gibson, who founded the Richmond Business Network over ten years ago, has decided to take a well-earned rest and step down from the Committee. We know that everyone who has ever been involved in the group will know how much work David put in and the enthusiasm he brought.

The Richmond Business Network is of great importance to Richmond School and Sixth Form College as it is where we have developed brilliant working relationships with a number of key employers in the region.

David has organised many business breakfasts, events and expos which have been held in a variety of locations such as Richmond Station, Cross View Team Rooms, Penleys, Richmond Cricket Club, Richmond Golf Club, Richmond Rugby Club, The Black Lion, The Holly Hill, The Kings Head, Catterick Racecourse and of course, Richmond School.
We have had many guest speakers at the Business Breakfasts including Rishi Sunak MP who attended in 2016 (Pictured outside the Richmond Sixth Form Bistro meeting a group of apprentices).

Ms Mannion, Careers Leader said: “The regular business breakfasts have been an important part of community relations for the past 10 years. I have enjoyed attending and have met so many people from local businesses. These relationships have led to so many positive outcomes for our students. David organised all of these events, year in, year out and provided leadership to the group.

“David has a gift of being able to motivate and engaged people and the fact that he persuaded so many people to attend business meetings at 7.30 am, whatever the weather, is testament to that.
“Over the years, David took students for work experience in his business and also delivered a Marketing workshop to A-level students.”

Jill Lundberg, Marketing Lead, added: “Having attended a number of the Business Network’s breakfast meetings, I was also impressed by David’s passion and interest in local businesses in the area and how he did so much to promote them. He has been a huge supporter of Richmond School and we are most appreciative of everything he has done for our students over the years.”

Here is just a snapshot of the many positive outcomes which David has influenced:

Work experience at numerous companies such as Purple Creative Studio, the City Secret, Richmond Leisure Centre, Penleys, Cross View Team Rooms, Lewis Surveying, Catterick Racecourse, The Holiday Inn, and The Station – to name a few!
Apprenticeships – Students successfully placed at Purple Creative Studio, the City Secret, Richmond Leisure Centre, Cross View Team Rooms, and Chipchase Manners.
First Aid Training – delivered to sixth form students which has helped those considering NHS careers.
Careers assemblies and workshops – delivered by staff from the City Secret and Purple Creative Studio.
Students have also had the opportunity to attend events, encouraging their confidence and resilience.

We wish David every success for the future and he will be greatly missed.