Waste management firm creates two divisions

Market Drayton-based waste management and agricultural contracting firm A.R.Richards has demerged its business to improve operational efficiency.  

The company established in 1980, has gone from strength to strength from its modest beginnings as a contractor with a single tractor. 

Founded by local family Alyn, Anthony and Sheilagh Richards, A.R.Richards began life with a single Massey Ferguson 595 tractor hired to local farmers who required additional help with harvesting and cultivation. 

It later diversified to provide waste management services and open its builders’ merchants at Tern Hill, Market Drayton.

The newly-formed A.R.Richards Group has two divisions – Richards Recycling incorporating the waste management, skip hire, aggregates and builders’ merchant operations, and A.R.Richards, covering the agricultural contracting and plant hire division. 

Finance director Sam Richards said; “Operating independently allows us to become more streamlined and agile in our functions, meaning we can respond to change and grow more effectively. 

"We will remain as a family-run business and provide the same great level of customer service our loyal customers have come to expect.” 

The A.R.Richards Group employs 100 people and is proud to be part of the local community, raising over £250,000 since 2021 for local charities Hope House, The Midlands Air Ambulance, The Azaylia Foundation and the Royal British Legion. 

“Our brilliant team is very much involved in our fundraising and making a positive contribution to the environment and community is firmly at heart of everything we do” said Sam.