John Richards
Great BritainJohn Richards: A Multifaceted Welsh Entrepreneur, Author, and Former Politician
John Richards is a Welsh entrepreneur, author, and former local government official who achieved notable success in both business and politics at a remarkably young age. Born in Cardiff to Alun Thomas Richards, a solicitor, and Patricia Winterson Richards, an antiques dealer, Richards went on to earn an LLB from the University of Bristol and an MSc from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology. He also attended the University of California Los Angeles for a brief period.
Political Career
In 1986, at the age of 22, Richards was elected to Cardiff City Council, becoming its youngest member. He later served as 'shadow chairman' of the Economic Development Committee and Leader of the Opposition on the council until local government reorganization in 1995, where he played a key role in the process. Richards was elected to the new Cardiff City Council in 1995, serving until 1999. His final major public act was to campaign for the demerger of Lisvane and Old St Mellons, the wards he had represented as a councillor.
Business Ventures
Richards became a company director at the age of 19 and, at 22, founded a business specializing in management consultancy. He primarily provided advice to small business owners and shared his expertise in the books 'The Bluffer's Guide to Small Business' and 'The Xenophobe's Guide to the Welsh'. These books have been published over 20 times in the UK alone and translated into eight different languages. In July 2013, he released 'The Bluffer's Guide to Your Own Business', a substantially revised and updated version of 'The Bluffer's Guide to Small Business'. Around the same time, Richards co-wrote an updated edition of another 'Bluffer's Guide' title, 'The Bluffer's Guide to Management'. He also shares valuable insights through podcasts and on the 'Mind Your Own Business' project website.
