Born in Cardiff in 1956 to Scottish and Welsh parents, Richard Dow moved to Lancaster in 1976 as a student at Lancaster University.
He decided to stay on in the city and since then has been instrumental in the development of the Gregson Centre, The Britannia pub, and The Park pub.

He said: "I consider myself a community businessman. It stems from the post-Thatcher days when we were told there was no such thing as a community. I found that I couldn't disagree more with what she represented. I believe in community enhancement and the strengths of communities on the whole."

After a brief spell teaching in Greece, Richard arrived back in Lancaster in 1984 and fell in love with the Gregson Centre and its community vibe.

He was soon getting involved on the management side of things, and after threats of closure in the mid 1990s, the Gregson gradually became the focal point for the arts, community and music that it is today.

"It's all down to community again. My business partner, Graeme Kirk, and myself provided a lot of business and strategic backing, but fundamentally the centre is owned and run by the community, for the community."

In 2006 Richard took over the Britannia pub in Ullswater Road, which at the time was under-utilised and in need of a lick (or three!) of paint.
The pub was restyled, redecorated and rebranded as the Britannia 101 - all paid for out of Richard's own pocket.

Local bands and DJs now play there and local art exhibitions change monthly within the bar.

Six months later, The Sun and Moon Tapas and Bistro was born, a Spanish and Greek restaurant linked to the Britannia 101, which is accessible from the bar area.

In December, Richard took over The Park Pub in St Oswald Street after turning it down three times previously.

"I have a lot of plans for this place", Richard said.

"Ten years ago it was a thriving live music venue, and we're going to restore that. Thwaites have promised money for the refurbishment of the function room up-stairs, and we're hoping to run music festivals and make the space available for public hire. There are also plans for an internet café and noodle bar on the premises."