Black Country developer Don Richardson dies at 77

Don Richardson, the Black Country developer who co-founded Richardsons Capital with his twin brother Roy, died last Thursday after a long illness aged 77. The twins are credited with transforming the face of the West Midlands with a raft of regeneration projects across the region, notably the Merry Hill shopping centre in Brierley Hill. Richardsons spokesman Ian Brough, a former Black Country Chamber chief executive and close associate of the brothers, said: “Having come from lowly roots in the Black Country, experiencing tough and difficult times, the twins never forgot their friends and stayed true to their principles, always supporters and defenders of small business. “Their friendship and loyalty was a prize worth having. Don Richardson was always a man to have at your side and no one better to have in the trench to fight with you. “The respect and admiration gained amongst the business community and relationships established over the last 70 years will mean that he will be missed by many.” Don, the younger twin by just 10 minutes, and Roy were born in 1930 and left school at 14 to enter the business world together. The twins’ partnership was so close they shared the same desk throughout their careers. Amid the recession of the 1980s they switched to property development and construction from running a business dominated by vehicles and haulage. Through their Richardsons Developments vehicle they developed Merry Hill on 300 acres of former steelworks – despite unemployment running at 25% and bank rates at 15%. Richardsons Capital now undertakes real estate development, investment, corporate finance and equity trading. Mr Richardson is survived by his wife Ann. The funeral is private, with a memorial service to follow. patrick.clift@rbi.co.uk