The Honourable Richard John Evans

The Honourable Richard John Evans is a professional international networker, high level facilitator, and a business leader in the areas of construction supply chain, modern methods of construction, foreign direct investment, renewable energy projects (PPA’s), infrastructure, and real estate & energy investment.
Richard has a strong background in marketing, design, print & advertising media, and particularly charities & housing associations.

As the Director of Centurion Press (CPL), Richard led the contract publishing magazines division and assisted in charities through fundraising and high-level sales, saving millions of pounds.

At 19 years old, took the initiative to launch Playback Radio (MOBO), a 'Pirate' station dedicated to supporting good causes in Hertfordshire. In 1990, introduced Pirate Radio Station KISS FM to CPL, which resulted in a significant financial return within 18 months after investment & successful legalisation. This support proved vital for CPL during challenging times. Centurion sold successfully for £42m in 2002.

Richard takes pride in his working-class roots, stemming from London, Yorkshire, & Ireland. One of his notable achievements was initiating the sponsorship of President Mandela's visit to the UK shortly after his release from prison. He has an interesting family history; his great uncle was a renowned London boxer in the 1920s, another uncle served as a prison guard for Deputy Führer Rudolf Hess in World War II and his Great Great Grandfather was a Barge worker on the Grand Union Canal. 

Richard is the Founder, Director, and CEO of Balmoral Global Capital Ltd, a firm that facilitates access to capital for companies worldwide, particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. 

Richard is also the Founder of ACE Modular Construction and Anglo Eastern Timber Alliance. Through these companies, he has championed the use of Off-Site Manufacturing and responsibly sourced timber, driving innovation and environmental stewardship in the construction sector.

As an entrepreneur, Richard founded AFFINITY – Construction Collaboration, a platform aimed at revolutionising collaboration within the construction sector, and leading Turkiye GB and Saudi GB, which foster economic ties and promote cross-cultural collaboration between the UK, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Richard has been deeply involved in various charitable and fundraising efforts throughout his career. As a Volunteer Fundraiser for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he contributed to organising a fundraising ball by securing donations and coordinating entertainment, photography, and social media coverage. His long-standing commitment to fundraising is further demonstrated by his 20-year involvement with the Institute of Fundraising, where he served as Chair of the Chilterns Group, significantly increasing membership and providing top-level training for over 1,000 charity professionals.

Richard also served as Trustee and Chairman of Commercial Services at GrantScape, helping deliver impactful grant programs. Additionally, he was a Trustee and Southern Committee Member of the Carers Trust, working alongside HRH Princess Royal. He has also supported PTSD Resolution, hosting events to raise awareness and support for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Amongst many of his memorable experiences, Richard went go-karting with HRH Princess Diana. 

Born in England, into the print trade in Watford, Richard gained hands-on experience operating lithographic print machines at various firms in the UK and the USA, including George & Roberts Printers, Heanorgate Press Ltd, and Washburn Graphics Inc. This practical training laid a strong foundation for his career in the industry.

Richard received a BTEC Diploma in Lithography from West Herts College, graduating with distinction in 1987. He also pursued advanced courses in sales, negotiation, and marketing from esteemed institutions such as the CIM, Heinz Goldman Institute in Switzerland, and Pitmans Secretarial.

At just 19, he co-founded Playback Radio 93.2FM, a pirate radio station in Watford, inspired by his favourite piano bar in Marbella and named after Johann Sebastian Bach. The station quickly gained popularity, specialising in Soul, Dance, Rap, Reggae, and Acid music. Despite facing multiple shutdowns by authorities, Playback’s philanthropic efforts, like fundraising for the local Peace Hospice, earned it some leniency. The experience led to a significant investment in KISS 100 FM, ultimately contributing to a substantial ROI that supported the family business, Centurion Press, through challenging times, culminating in its successful sale in 2002.

As Director and Founder of the Voluntary Sector Services Division at Centurion Press, Richard played a pivotal role in providing creative design, branding, fundraising, print management, and contract publishing services. Under his leadership, the division supported over 50 small, medium, and national charities, including notable names like Amnesty International and The Prince’s Trust. His strategic direction helped these organisations save millions while enhancing their communication with donors. In 2002, Centurion Press was sold for £42 million, a testament to its success. Richard also made significant contributions to the wider community, including facilitating sponsorship for President Nelson Mandela’s inaugural visit to London and helping launch KISS FM from a pirate radio station to a legitimate broadcaster. 

In 1999, Richard, in association with Centurion Press Ltd, initiated a project to create a high-quality calendar in memory of the late HRH Diana, Princess of Wales. Collaborating with renowned Royal Photographers, Richard aimed to support the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund through the calendar's proceeds. The idea for the project was shared with Paul Burrell, Diana's private butler, leading to the eventual licensing of the calendar from the Memorial Fund. The project gained significant attention, including a feature in the Daily Mail and a partnership with OK Magazine. For Richard, this project was not only a professional achievement but also a deeply personal and fulfilling tribute to someone he greatly admired.

Richard founded Balmoral Global Capital Ltd in 2017, using his extensive network to assist businesses and new ventures in sourcing capital, particularly in the FinTech, MedTech, and HealthTech sectors. Here, he focused on facilitating access to a global pool of financing options, including equity, debt (over $20 million, and hybrid structures, for energy and infrastructure projects. Under his leadership, Balmoral Global Capital ensures clients receive comprehensive due diligence and access to credible investors, with partnerships extending to renowned firms like KPMG and IN-VR. The firm’s core team, including Richard, boasts over 100 years of combined experience in corporate fundraising.

As the Founder of Lithuania GB, a division of Octavius GB Ltd, Hon Richard Evans has been instrumental in leveraging the high-quality Lithuanian supply chain to connect global clients with construction and off-site manufacturing solutions. Since 2017, operating from Vilnius, he has focused on a diverse range of products and services, including volumetric panels, luxury Norwegian lodges, bespoke furniture, and various building materials. Supported by the Government of Lithuania, Lithuania GB under Richard's leadership has become a vital bridge between Lithuanian suppliers and international markets, particularly in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

As an Ambassador for Bydand Security Solutions Ltd since April 2017, Richard has played a key role in representing the international provider of security, consultancy, protective services, and training. Founded by one of his close friends and former member of the British Special Forces SAS, Bydand Security is known for its expertise in covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, direct action, and hostage rescue.

Richard founded ACE Modular Construction in January 2018, a leading UK-based knowledge enterprise in the Off-Site Manufacture (OSM) Value Chain. Under his leadership, ACE Modular Construction provides global property developers and construction organisations with critical insights and connections to navigate the modular construction industry. The company’s unique approach involves advising on OSM capabilities, connecting clients with suitable supply chain partners, and offering professional support for evaluating supplier capabilities. Richard also envisions the development of mixed-use property projects and the provision of turnkey solutions for luxury accommodations.

In January 2021, Richard founded Anglo Eastern Timber Alliance, a division of Octavius GB Ltd specialising in sourcing responsibly-sourced timber from Eastern Europe, including the Baltic States, the Balkans, and more recently, China. The company is dedicated to sustainable forestry practices, ensuring all timber is sourced from FSC-certified forests to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Through robust due diligence and collaboration with long-term partners, the alliance maintains stringent quality control, supporting the responsible sourcing of forest products while adhering to high standards of environmental stewardship.

In April 2021, ACE Funding Ltd was rebranded and Richard founded Octavius GB Ltd, that serves as a high-level supply chain and introduction service representing several brands, including ACE Modular Construction, Lithuania GB, Turkiye GB, Saudi GB, Anglo Eastern Timber Alliance, and more. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Gaius Octavius, the company embodies strategic growth and leadership, much like the Roman Empire's expansion under Augustus. Octavius GB continues to build on the successful foundation laid by Richard’s family business, Centurion Press Group.

Richard co-founded Ukrainian Timber in June 2022, a company dedicated to supplying quality accredited timber from Ukraine, including softwoods, hardwoods, structural materials, MDF, and biofuels. Leveraging his long standing connections and relationships in Ukraine, which include government ties and personal friendships, Richard has ensured the reliable delivery of these materials to clients, including those in Estonia. 

Richard founded AFFINITY - Construction Collaboration in July 2023, with the goal of revolutionising collaboration in the construction sector. AFFINITY serves as a dynamic hub, connecting key stakeholders such as contractors, developers, architects, and investors to facilitate the seamless exchange of critical information on topics including Digital Twins, sustainability, and project management. Through prestigious events, including its launch at the UK House of Lords, AFFINITY fosters high-level networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, while also supporting charitable initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness and re-offending.

Richard founded SAUDI GB in August 2023 to bring quality construction products, services, and manufacturing investments to Saudi Arabia. Working closely with government and local partners, the company has successfully delivered multiple construction projects throughout the Kingdom. SAUDI GB also focuses on sustainable development by partnering in Solar Power Purchase Agreements and environmental services, including waste-to-energy transformation, to reduce environmental impact.

Richard co-founded Caribbean Supply Chain GB in October 2023 to leverage his extensive procurement expertise within the public sector, focusing on managing complex projects, negotiating agreements, and fostering client relationships. The firm supports Caribbean government tenders by developing procurement capabilities, utilising commercial intelligence, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Caribbean Supply Chain GB also facilitates introductions between solar developers, Power Purchase Agreement providers, and investors in infrastructure and environmental services, including waste-to-energy solutions, through a trusted network of supply chain partners.

In October 2023, Richard founded Turkiye GB with the mission to bridge the Turkish and British markets by introducing reputable Turkish construction companies and manufacturers to the UK. The company aims to strengthen the longstanding cooperation between Türkiye and Great Britain by promoting cross-fertilisation of ideas and opportunities. Through this initiative, Turkiye GB seeks to enhance economic ties, foster cultural exchange, and build partnerships that extend beyond the UK to include regions like the Caribbean, driving growth and mutual benefits for all involved.

Richard has been deeply involved in various charitable and fundraising efforts throughout his career. As a Volunteer Fundraiser for University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he contributed to organising a fundraising ball by securing donations and coordinating entertainment, photography, and social media coverage. His long-standing commitment to fundraising is further demonstrated by his 20-year involvement with the Institute of Fundraising, where he served as Chair of the Chilterns Group, significantly increasing membership and providing top-level training for over 1,000 charity professionals. 

Richard also served as Trustee and Chairman of Commercial Services at GrantScape, helping deliver impactful grant programs. Additionally, he was a Trustee and Southern Committee Member of the Carers Trust, working alongside HRH Princess Royal. He has also supported PTSD Resolution, hosting events to raise awareness and support for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.

Richard envisions a world where business innovation and social responsibility intersect to drive sustainable growth and positive impact. His vision is to uses his diverse expertise in finance, construction, and philanthropy to create enterprises that not only achieve commercial success but also contribute to societal well-being and environmental sustainability.

Richard believes in promoting collaboration across industries and cultures, promoting ethical practices, and supporting charitable initiatives that address pressing global challenges. Through his ventures and leadership, he aims to inspire a new generation of business leaders committed to making a difference.