Following exactly 10 years at the helm as chief executive of the H and H Group PLC, Brian Richardson is leaving the business later in the year to pursue another role in agribusiness.

With interests covering, auctioneering, property, insurance and printing, Brian has guided the growth of the Group which now comprises seven operating companies employing more than 290 members of staff, in 19 locations across the North of England and Southern Scotland.

“I have always been involved in agribusiness, and it has been a great privilege to lead H and H during the last 10 years," said Brian.

"Farming is an incredibly challenging business and just as farmers must keep adapting to change, so do the businesses around it.

"In my role as chief executive I have overseen investment in the physical assets we have, to ensure that we provide the best facilities for farmers and the services that we offer them.

“We have also focused on developing the team of people here. For me personally, it is a great pleasure to see young staff coming through whose careers have been developed within each business and mentored by more experienced staff, in the livestock, the land agency, and our other companies. Growing our own is very much a key philosophy at H and H."

Over the past decade, Brian has overseen some major milestones and investment to include the opening of a new Show Hall and extension to the mart in Carlisle in 2011. This expansion enabled the business to grow the Borderway Agri-Expo and Dairy Expo events, both of which are now amongst the top livestock agricultural showcases in the UK.

The takeover of the John Swan and Son auction business in 2016 further developed the geographical spread of business, providing efficiencies of scale. Ambitious plans to develop the mart site at Newtown St Boswells announced earlier in the year, further highlight the company's commitment to the mart sector and rural community.

Commenting on his reasons for leaving, Brian said: “I have great confidence in the people and management team here and feel 10 years for a chief executive is a 'good innings'.

"At 57, I feel I have another challenge in me, so with a first-class team at H and H in place, and a solid financial base, it’s an appropriate time to pass on the baton to someone else. New ideas are always good, and a new pair of eyes supported by an excellent management team will oversee the next phase of development at H and H.

“I let the Board of H and H know several weeks ago of my decision. I will not formally stand down as CE until the summer and I have agreed to provide support an incoming CE when they are appointed.

“Yes, I have a new challenge to undertake, however over the next few months my focus is very much on the H and H Group. I am not at liberty to announce my new role, which I am very much looking forward to, until the summer. In the meantime, it is very much business as usual for me and the Group."

Aspen Recruitment has been appointed to undertake the recruitment process in conjunction with the H and H Group PLC Board with the role now being advertised nationally.