For sixteen years, Richard has been a familiar face for our members in the Sheffield region.
Born and bred in the city, Richard worked in insurance since 1985, joining NFU Mutual as a Life Sales Executive in 2002. He went on to become Senior Agent and NFU Group Secretary in February 2007.
Helping members at the heart of Richard's work
Initially, Richard inherited four NFU areas, Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Penistone. Just a year later, Richard and Business Development Manager for the North East Region Nigel Laws were instrumental in merging the four areas into the singular Sheffield region that we know today.
His team grew over the course of his career, with Helen Oxley joining him as Group Secretary just a few years later.
“I’ve enjoyed helping members with various issues and problems the best I can.”
Former Sheffield Group Secretary Richard Houldsworth
Speaking of his career with the NFU, Richard said: “We’ve qualified as high achievers a few times – and that has certainly been a highlight for me. It was great to attend high achievers’ dinners in various places and to meet with colleagues from different parts of the country.
“I’ve enjoyed helping members with various issues and problems the best I can. It’s been good to meet local farmers from different sectors and see how they operate their businesses, and to make friends with quite a few of our members.”
Richard, who lives in Beauchief, is married with two grown up children and four grandchildren. A keen fisherman and traveller, Richard has no plans to slow down in retirement, and will be taking more time to indulge in his hobbies alongside additional ‘grandparent duties.’
Following Richard’s retirement, Richard Shelton, who joined the NFU last year, has taken over the role of Group Secretary for the region.