Richard and Growth Partner

I founded Growth Partner in 2015 to inspire breakthrough in Entrepreneurs.

In the UK, the ecosystems for both early-stage venture capital and later-stage private equity are very active. But in the middle, growing businesses face a funding and support crisis. I’m now in the fortunate position to be able to put my own capital to work, alongside sharing key lessons from HomeServe (both what to do and not to do!), to change that. In doing so, we’re creating meaningful value and jobs for the UK economy.

I’m extremely proud to be Chairman of Growth Partner and to see the scaling we’re helping to promote with our stable of partners. We have an amazing, energetic team, not just out there finding the best businesses, but then working with them to realise their potential. And we’re just getting going…

My Story

I was a born entrepreneur. By the time I was 18, I’d sold rabbits, been a magician at children’s parties, sold fishing tackle and launched an earring brand…

… but founding HomeServe in 1993 is what really put me on the path to where I am today.

HomeServe has grown to become a global leader in home repairs and improvements, selling both direct to consumer and via B2B partnerships. As CEO, and then Chairman, I was able to build an incredible team. Together, we expanded the business internationally and across channels, culminating in a sale to global private-equity giant Brookfield in 2023 for £4.1bn. You can find out more about what that entailed here.

I continue to chair a part of the business, but I’m now dedicated to a new mission: to double the number of large companies in the UK. Growth Partner is part of this mission, and you can find out more about my outside work on my personal page here.

If this resonates with you and you can play a part in making it happen, then please get in touch.

Building a £1bn business:

The 8 Secrets

Reflecting on HomeServe’s success, these are the things we now know — and wish we’d known sooner.

Start with yourself…

Step 0: The Importance of Character.
You need people with resilience, persistence, curiosity, non-conformity, low ego, courage, and integrity.

1

Copy & Pivot
Remember second-mover advantage.

2

Find An Investor
And make it an experienced investment partner who can bring advice.

3

CoachMent
Listen to a coach and a mentor (ideally both in one person) who can get you to be your best.

4

Bricks, Clicks & Paper
Talk to customers where it matters to them.

5

Hire Your Replacement
A great leader is a great talent-spotter and lets others lead.

6

Go Global, With Locals
Aim for globalisation of a core model, powered by local expertise.

7

Evolution not revolution
Always focus on the next hurdle — there’s no short-cut to success.

8

Make a NOT To Do List
A “No” can sometimes be the best response — focus wins.

Find out more

You can hear more about my journey, my work beyond Growth Partner and my mission on my website.

richardharpin.com