Richard Robinson, Social Entrepreneur

Social entrepreneur Richard Robinson loves nothing more than running a successful business while also making a positive impact on the world. Through Old Spike, his London-based specialty coffee roastery, Richard does just that. Motivated by his entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to make a difference, he runs a flourishing business that trains, supports and employs homeless people. Richard is destined to leave the world better than he found it.

For social entrepreneur Richard Robinson, a business cannot simply sell a product or a service; it has to stand for something. He is passionate and confident about being able to run a successful business while making social impact. Motivated by this enterprising spirit and a desire to leave a positive imprint on the world, Richard founded Old Spike, a specialty coffee roastery that trains, supports and employs homeless people. 

Old Spike, based in London, is the UK’s first Social Enterprise Speciality Coffee Roaster. It is a flourishing business that provides high-quality, specialty products and services to consumers, while also creating social change by supporting the homeless community and committing to environmental sustainability. Through the roastery and café, Richard trains and employs homeless people and helps prepare them for future job opportunities in the coffee and hospitality industries. Old Spike is also committed to sourcing fair trade coffee. The initiative is improving people’s lives, and the planet, in direct and practical ways. 

For Richard, audacity is about pushing boundaries and pushing onwards. Most entrepreneurs fail, at least in their first ventures, and you have to have the self-belief and self-confidence to keep going, to keep working towards your dreams. Richard’s legacy is about being passionate and committed to his work. It’s about being the master of his own destiny. 

As master of his destiny, Richard chooses to unwind with Martell Blue Swift on the rocks.  After a long day at work, he savours the smooth flavour experience of a Martell cognac on ice.

Richard hopes to leave the world better than he found it, and with Old Spike, he surely will. As he says, “you have one life and you’ve got to live it to the max.”