Tim Richards was born in South Wales. He had a musical childhood – his mother sang professionally and at school and university he played oboe and piano and sang in the College choir.
He worked at the Prudential for thirty years, qualifying as an actuary, and subsequently working in a wide range of jobs. As marketing manager he was responsible for broadening the Pru’s sponsorship activities from mainly sport into the arts and in particular linking with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has been involved with a number of voluntary and charitable organisations including a Parochial Church Council in Ealing and a spell as treasurer of the Rowing Foundation.