Richard Soper Worcester Bosch Group

Posted on 21 December 2015 at 12:07 into Richard Soper Worcester Bosch by HSP

Well respected business man Richard Soper announced his retirement as the CEO of the Worcester Bosch Group recently. Richard will be sadly missed. As an enthusiastic and committed professional, he has worked his way up through the ranks of Worcester Bosch since the late 1960s.

Richard has enjoyed a number of notable highlights over the course of his five decades in the heating and hot water industry. He became President of the Institute of Plumbing at the start of the 1980s and was given the ‘Champions Award’ by the British Renewable Energy Association.

The proudest moment in Richard’s outstanding career came when he received a CBE for his services to the heating and renewable technologies industries. Richard was extremely proud that his significant contribution had been recognised on a national scale.

Speaking about his achievement, Richard said, “This is a very proud day for my family and for myself, but it is also recognition of the contribution that many individuals and employees at Worcester, Bosch Group have made to the heating and renewable industries over many decades." 

The award was fitting for a man who has developed an enviable reputation in the heating and hot water industries. He has had a highly interesting and rewarding career and worked on a wide variety of projects. He had the opportunity to work on the creation on an early combination boiler during the early 1970s. His sales skills were developed further while working as Marketing Director of Peglar. Richard enjoyed the travelling and opportunity to work with similarly committed people in the heating and hot water industry.

Richard went on to become the Sales and Marketing Director of Worcester Heat Systems in 1993. His dedication was rewarded again as he became Managing Director of Bosch Thermotechnology Ltd in 2001. Richard has subsequently worked on the international development of the brand and moved to America with his loving wife.

Richard will be leaving behind a great legacy in his retirement. He has opened up his home in Worcestershire for heating engineers and school children to learn the essential skills for careers in the industry.  

Richard said, "working in the heating and hot water industry for the time I have has been a truly fantastic experience - a real joy. As the saying goes, when you enjoy your job you've never done a day's work, which is exactly how I feel.

"During my many years at Worcester I have been lucky to have worked with some amazing like-minded people who have shared and continue to share my passion for delivering heating and hot water comfort. From the day I started out I have always enjoyed working with plumbers, installers and contractors too. They bring an incredible amount of value to people's lives.

"Now I have retired, I will be supporting the CIPHE and their team of professionals to continue to identify ways of promoting careers in the heating and hot water industry, with the aim of encouraging more young people to get involved At the end of the day, homeowners want comfort with safety and encouraging professionalism in our industry is absolutely central to achieving that."

HSP wish Richard the very best in his semi retirement 

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