Richard Shaw
Richard Shaw joined the Company in 2013 and has served on the Company’s Charity Committee and was Governor in 2025-26
Occupation and business:
Manufacturing Engineer. I have spent my career working in manufacturing businesses, mostly in the UK but also in the USA, Mexico, Holland and Hungary.
The companies I have worked for have made building bricks, textile machine parts, chainmail gloves for butchers and cable fixings for the electrical industry. I have worked both on the production side and on the sales side of business. My sales experience has taken me to every corner of the globe.
I became a Managing Director of a business when I was 40 years old and retired from full time work 23 years later.
Describe what you do?
When I retired as Managing Director, I became the Chairman of this business. I regularly conduct site visits, including going to the factory once a week. I am also Chairman of Derwent Training – an apprentice training college in Malton. Until recently I was Chairman of York Minster Fund and was the lead on introducing modern technology to the restoration of the Minster.
Why did you join the company?
When I first visited the Company and learned about the history of the Merchant Adventurers, I thought that if there was ever a guild designed just for me, this was it. Another member described me as, “The very model of a modern Merchant Adventurer”!
Best thing about being a member?
The people I have met but also supporting the Company’s charitable activities: making a difference to young peoples lives by introducing them to the idea of working in business – just like I have done.