The Business Engagement Team recently visited Wayne Richardson, owner of Richardson Intelligent Systems Ltd, based in the Cargo Fleet Offices, we chatted to Wayne about his business journey, the support he received to get him where he is today, and also his future plans.
Tell us about your business?
“Richardson Intelligent Systems Ltd develops practical, bespoke ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) workflow solutions for engineering and manufacturing SMEs across the Tees Valley. After more than 30 years working directly in engineering, IT, and systems development, I founded the business to tackle a challenge I saw time and again: companies relying on spreadsheets, paper trails, and disconnected tools that make daily work harder than it needs to be.
My approach is hands on and relationship driven. I spend time inside the business, understand how work really happens on the shop floor and in the office, I then design systems that fit those processes — not the other way around. Everything I build is tailored, scalable, and focused on removing bottlenecks, reducing admin, and giving leaders clear visibility of their operations.
One recent example is a project for a local engineering firm that was struggling to keep track of jobs, capacity, and quality documentation. Their workflow relied on multiple spreadsheets, handwritten notes, and a whiteboard that constantly needed updating. I built a custom system that centralised all job information, automated their documentation, and provided real time visibility of progress and workload. It streamlined their workflow, reduced errors, and freed up hours of admin time each week.
At its core, the business is about making life easier for SMEs — giving them modern, reliable systems that support growth without disrupting the practical way they already work. I focus on long term partnerships, building solutions that evolve with the business and genuinely make a difference day to day.”
How long have you been operating?
“Although Richardson Intelligent Systems Ltd was officially registered in April 2025, the foundations were laid decades earlier. For more than 30 years, I worked as a sole trader alongside full time roles in engineering and IT — building systems, solving problems, and refining the approach that eventually became my full time business in August 2025. The company is new, but the experience behind it spans a lifetime.”
What made you choose to start your Business in Redcar & Cleveland?
“My career began right here in the borough, with my first full time job at Redcar & Cleveland College. That early support shaped the path I’ve taken ever since. After living in Redcar for almost 30 years, it felt right to build my business in the place that gave me my start. As the company grows, I want to give something back — creating opportunities locally and contributing to the area that’s been home for most of my life.”
What support did you receive from the Business Engagement Team?
“I first reached out to the team for help finding office space, but that initial conversation opened far more doors than I expected. They invited me to a start up enterprise session, which was my first real insight into the support available for new founders in the region. From there, they connected me with wider startup support across the Tees Valley, including the Tees Valley Labs Pre Flight programme, which ultimately led to a place on the Stable Programme.
That combination of early guidance and structured support was invaluable in shaping the business during its early stages and gave me the confidence, clarity, and momentum to move forward.”
How did you find the support from the Business Engagement Team?
“The team has been consistently supportive, approachable, and genuinely invested in my progress. Their check ins have been more than routine, they’ve been real conversations about challenges, momentum, and what help I might need next. It’s reassuring to know there’s a team behind you who want to see local businesses succeed and grow.”
What are your future plans for your business?
“My goal is to grow steadily and sustainably, continuing to build trust with SMEs who need honest, cost effective IT and ERP solutions. After decades of helping businesses work smarter, I want to scale that impact — improving efficiency for clients while creating skilled jobs locally as the company evolves. Ultimately, I want the business to become another success story rooted in Redcar & Cleveland.”
Business Details
Richardson Intelligent Systems Ltd
Cargo Fleet Offices
South Bank
TS6 6PT
Website: https://risystemsltd.co.uk/
If you’d like support in starting or growing your business, you can contact the Business Engagement Team here.
