Graham Richardson is group managing director with Johnsons of Whixley, one of Europe’s largest and longest established commercial nurseries which has been in the Richardson family since 1964.

The business sells millions of tree and garden shrubs annually via their three channels – amenity (commercial landscapes), retail (garden centres) and their trade plant centre.

Although a role in the family business was not planned, Mr Richardson began his career with Johnsons in 1982 after a spell of work experience at small nursery near Skipton.

Having spent five years learning the nurserymen’s craft, Mr Richardson took responsibility for a new 50 acre tree production site at Ryther near Cawood. Soon after Mr Richardson got married and at the same time took on management responsibility for an existing forest tree nursery business at Wilberfoss.

In 1996, he achieved the Institute of Directors diploma in company direction and became a senior manager at parent company Johnsons, joining the board of directors.

Mr Richardson has been involved in most areas of the business over the years; since becoming group managing director in 2005 his emphasis has been on business management.

He has ultimate responsibility for finance, systems, people and administration and has recently taken an overview of the group’s trade plant centre. His two brothers have complimentary roles in production, operations, sales and transport.


What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"Russian oligarch aside (for obvious reasons), I have never aspired to another role on the basis of the challenge of current role and the reward of maintaining our family business. In terms of admiration, our armed forces take some beating so perhaps a junior officer or NCO role in the army."


What is your greatest achievement?

"A cliché, I know – but my four children Luke, Rob, Ellie and Shaun. Work wise, coordinating the implementation of SAP in a business with 40,000 stock item variants that grow, change and occasionally die.


What makes you most angry?

"A national desperation to talk down our great nation rather than recognise our unique standing and a growing ‘can’t be bothered’ attitude in society."


What is your biggest mistake?

"Far too numerous to mention. Buying my wife a Mercedes Vaneo – the words “I don’t think I know you anymore” were levelled."


What do you need to make life complete?

"Perhaps more personal time."


How do you make a difference?

"Incrementally. Attempt to be supportive without being dictatorial and by still helping at the coalface as well as in the boardroom."


Epitaph?

"He tried!"