SPONSORS: Chadwick Lawrence and Stafflex

HISTORY: Richard Butterfield has transformed a small firm offering a management service for changing signs on commercial buildings into a multi-million pound brand implementation specialist.

The company he founded, now Principle Global, has offices worldwide – all directed from its headquarters in Waterloo.

Richard had a variety of careers selling everything from cleaning products and bicycles to cars, caravans and fire extinguishers before co-founding Principle in 1986 from a rented office in Scissett.

This year, Principle will deliver 21% growth on 2014 with its wholly-owned ventures achieving revenue of over £100m. The forecast for 2016 will see the group grow further to over £135m around the world.

Through Principle, Richard is an active fundraiser for the Forget-Me-Not Children`s Hospice and works with non-executive director Simon Blagden on a programme to provide rehabilitation employment for injured servicemen and women.

Richard is also proud to have secured the former Remploy factory in Huddersfield for its expanding business – and to find posts for some of its displaced employees.

Richard said: “I don’t really know what to say other than I am extremely flattered to win this award. I didn’t think 29 years ago when I made the decision to start Principle where the business would go over the years. The message is business is hard work – unless you are moving forwards you are moving backwards. That has really been our motto.

“Huddersfield is our spiritual home. We have established Principle businesses around the world but Huddersfield will always be headquarters for the business.”

Richard told his audience that if you see a new opportunity then go for it. Don’t do the same as every other company. We set our stall out to be different to other companies. We will be different today and different again tomorrow.”

Examiner Business Awards 2015. Business Person of the Year Richard Butterfield

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