Currently Independent Commercial and International Director of Dyson Ltd, Chairman Avon Rubber Plc, and Vice Chairman of NEC (Europe). From 1985 to 1992 Sir Richard was the Minister responsible for redesigning and rebuilding Northern Ireland's shattered towns and cities. In 1992 Richard was promoted to Minister of Trade and became Michael Heseltine's Deputy. Over three years he overhauled and re-invigorated Britain's export strategy and is widely accepted in Whitehall as Britain's most successful Trade Minister since the War. In recognition of his work in Northern Ireland and at the DTI he was made a Privy Counsellor in 1994 and knighted in 1997. Since leaving politics he has become involved in a number of businesses both large and small. Over the last 12 years he has been at James Dyson's right hand and has seen the company grow from a small UK player into the world's largest manufacturer of vacuum cleaners. He has been instrumental in the development of the Company's overseas operation in Europe, Malaysia, China and Japan. Widely respected during his tenure as Trade Minister and having served on the Board of leading British and international companies, Sir Richard brings a real depth of knowledge and insight into business and politics and how these two worlds can best work together.