Building a Legacy of Safety
A Conversation with Richardson-Hill Limited’s Founder & Operations Director
With a history that spans over 75 years, Richardson-Hill Limited (RHL) has been at the very heart of the UK’s health and safety landscape. Our story is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and a genuine commitment to people. To celebrate this legacy, we sat down with founder Michael Owen and Operations Director Daniel Owen to reflect on the journey, the evolution of the industry, and the values that continue to guide us.
The Foundation: Relationships and Trust
For Michael Owen, the most powerful measure of success isn’t a project completed or a milestone reached—it’s the enduring relationships built over decades.
“There’s a client we’ve worked with for well over 20 years,” Michael shares. “It’s not just the work, it’s the trust we’ve built. They know we’ll be straight with them, and we know they’ll listen. That kind of relationship doesn’t happen overnight. It reflects our core values: honesty, consistency, and genuinely caring about people’s safety.”
This principle has been the bedrock of RHL since day one, reminding us that in an industry focused on regulations, the human element is what truly matters.
An Industry in Motion: From Paperwork to Culture
Health and safety has changed dramatically since RHL was established in 1985. Michael recalls a time when the focus was primarily on compliance and paperwork.
Today, the landscape is far more dynamic.
“Now, the best businesses understand that safety is about culture, leadership, and long-term thinking,” he says. “We’ve had to evolve by staying up-to-date with legislation, embracing digital tools, and adapting how we communicate. But the core goal—protecting people—hasn’t changed. We’ve just gotten better at how we do it.”
Daniel Owen, who has been with the company for over 20 years, has a unique perspective on this evolution. “Early in my career, I saw health & safety as a set of rules to follow. Now, I see it as a culture you help build. It’s proactive, people-first, and it constantly evolves. That’s what keeps it interesting and important.”
The Future of Safety: Technology, Innovation, and People
Looking ahead, RHL is embracing the opportunities that technology and data-driven systems present, all while maintaining the personal touch that sets
us apart.
“There’s been a major shift towards technology and data-driven safety management,” Daniel notes. “Clients expect smarter systems and faster reporting and rightly so. We’ve embraced this, investing in tools and training that make our services more responsive and tailored. But we’ve never lost the personal touch.”
For Daniel, the future is about more than just technology. It’s about expanding the conversation around health and safety to include wellbeing, culture, and sustainability. “I’m excited about the ways we can continue to lead,” he explains. “We’re well placed to be a part of that conversation and to deliver real value. I think the next 10 years could be the most impactful in our history.”
RHL’s story is a testament to the power of building something that lasts, not just a business, but a reputation rooted in honesty, a commitment to people, and
the resilience to adapt in a fast-changing world. Our mission remains unchanged: keeping people safe and businesses strong.
Ready to make safety a business strength, not just a compliance requirement?
Contact us today to learn how our experienced team can help you build a culture of safety that lasts.
