Richard Harpin, Chief Executive, HomeServe

Oct 26 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

One of the region's most successful sons returned to his roots recently to encourage pupils at his former school to become entrepreneurs. Peter McCusker spoke to Richard Harpin, the boss of insurance and maintenance giant HomeServe, during his flying visit.

The CV

EDUCATION
1976-83: Royal Grammar School, Newcastle; nine O-levels, one S-level, three A-levels
1983-86: York University, BA Economics 2:1 Hons
1987: Certified Diploma in Accountancy and Finance, University of Northumbria.

BUSINESS
1981-86: Started and ran a mail order fishing tackle business
1984-85: Established an earring manufacturing business
1986-90: Brand manager, Procter and Gamble
1990-91: Senior consultant, Deloitte
1991-92: Franchisee, the Mortgage Advice Shop
1992-97: Director, Baker Tilly Consulting
1993-99: Managing director, HomeServe GB
1999 onwards: Chief executive, HomeServe.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Flying: Obtained my private pilot's licence in August 1998 and my helicopter licence in December 2002. I own a Pilatus PC12 turbine pressurised plane and a Twin Squirrel helicopter.
Other sports: Off-piste and heli-skiing, swimming, mountain biking and occasional squash.