Mike Richards

Background

About Mike Richards

Mike is an experienced economic development and government professional, manager, and business advisor with a broad base of advisory, finance, HR, grant/ tender writing, technology assessment and business development skills. Mike has extensive networks with 40 years government experience and is a strong collaborator. Mike has supported business and economic growth in recent roles as Co-ordinator Business Services at the City of Salisbury, Team Leader Economic Growth at the City of Onkaparinga, Manager of the SA Government's Manufacturing Technologies Centre, and the economic development specialist at the City of Playford. He recently was Interim General Manager of the Thylation Group of Companies. Had own private consulting business from July 2012 to May 2014 included (success in obtaining $1.4m in grants and funding for clients). Previously managed Innovate SA and Venture Capital SA. Experience includes-working with CEOs and organisation boards to develop and review strategy, innovation capacity, business models, access new and export market opportunities, funding strategies (capital raising and grant) and technology roadmaps-developing and delivering economic development programs and services to innovative companies (+300)-assisting SMEs raise capital -developing and implementing government policy - managing and developing teams Specialties: Qualified CPA (2012 SA State President), experienced manager and former ASIC investigator with financial acumen.