Richard brings over three decades worth of experience in leading and advising ambitious UK businesses on growth and transformational change with significant leadership experience gained across a range of sectors including distribution, food, building products, energy and agriculture. Between 2007 to 2023, Richard was Chief Executive of the NWF Group, an AIM-listed, specialist distributor of fuel, food and feed across the UK. During his tenure, the NWF Group became a £1 billion annual revenue business with over 1,300 employees and an impressive £125m market capitalisation.

In his new role as Chairman, Richard will be focused on cementing Embrace’s position as one of the major players in the British steel and wider construction industry, leading the board to deliver on its goal of achieving a group revenue of over £100m within the next two years through both operational improvement and M&A activity.

This latest news comes at an exciting time for Embrace following the appointment of a new COO, Matt Gibson, and a recent £1.5m investment into new machinery for its portfolio company, Hambleton Steel.

Embrace is committed to driving growth throughout its group by identifying and acquiring UK-based steel and construction businesses where it can unlock value and growth potential through implementing substantial operational improvements. Since its inception, Embrace has acquired two heritage British steel brands; Hambleton Steel (acquired in 2022) and Shufflebottom (acquired in April, 2024).

On his new appointment as Embrace’s Chairman, Richard Whiting, commented:

“It’s great to join Embrace and an honour to lead the board through the next exciting chapter of the group’s development. I’ll be firmly focused on delivering strategic oversight and utilising my 30 years of experience in supporting businesses through both organic growth and M&A activities. Embrace has built a fantastic foundation with high quality businesses and teams within its portfolio that I look forward to supporting over the coming weeks, months and years.”

Dominic Curnock, Co-Founder and Director at Embrace, added:

“We are delighted to welcome someone of Richard’s calibre to lead the Embrace board and foster an environment to allow the business to continue its transformational journey to date. Richard has gained invaluable experience in building best-in-class businesses across an array of relevant sectors. We are thrilled he recognises the enormous potential in Embrace as we strive to become one of the leading structural steelwork businesses in the UK.”

ENDS.

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About Embrace Steel Group: Founded in 2020, Embrace Steel Group (Embrace) is a leading provider of steel frame building solutions, offering a comprehensive range of innovative products and services to customers across various industries. Embrace has acquired two heritage British steel brands since its inception; Hambleton Steel (acquired in 2022) and Shufflebottom (acquired in April, 2024).

Embrace is committed to driving growth throughout its Group by identifying and acquiring UK-based steel and construction businesses where it can unlock value and growth potential through implementing significant operational improvements.