Richard Harpin

Early life and education Harpin was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and grew up in Northumberland. His father was a civil servant, and his mother was an occupational therapist. His paternal great-grandparents owned and operated a wool recycling mill. As a student, he sold conkers to classmates and operated a mail-order business for fishing tackle and earrings. The company offered subscription-based home emergency repair services. and Additional Lengths. During his ownership, Business Leader has expanded its focus to peer-to-peer networks, coaching and insight to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

In 2020, Harpin invested £5 million in Flooring Superstore, a UK flooring retailer, as part of his ongoing strategy of backing consumer focused businesses. In 2026, his investment faced restructuring as declining demand and rising costs threatened 300 jobs across 50 stores.

Writing Harpin has authored business columns for The Sunday Times, Mail, City A.M., and The Yorkshire Post. In 2025, Harpin published the book How to Make a Billion in Nine Steps, which became a Sunday Times bestseller.

Personal life Harpin was previously married to Kate Harpin, and they have three children. In 2013, Harpin bought their village pub, The Alice Hawthorn Inn in Nun Monkton, to prevent its closure. It won Yorkshire Life magazine's Dining Pub of the Year award in 2017. They also helped revive the Nun Monkton Ferryboat across the River Ouse in 2017 which had been closed since 1952.

Harpin is a lifelong Newcastle United fan.

In December 2025, Harpin was awarded a knighthood in the 2026 New Year Honours.

Awards and recognition Harpin was named Ernst & Young UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008. In 2011, he served as chairman of the judging panel for the same award.