After being awarded an MBE for services to farming, agriculture and industry, University of Salford alumnus Richard Ikin is still doing what he’s always done best, supporting the next generation at Salford.

A 1991 graduate in Human Resource Management, Richard was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 and received his award from HRH The Princess Royal at St James’s Palace in February 2026. Alongside a career that has shaped both agriculture and industry, he has remained closely connected to the University, regularly returning to work with students and share his experience.

Richard is a guest lecturer on the Employment Relations course at Salford Business School, bringing real-world insight into the classroom. His most recent session explored negotiating and consulting with trade unions, including a detailed case study from his time working with National Grid.

His commitment to supporting others runs throughout his work. As founder of the Young Farmer Development Award (YFDA), presented each year at the Royal Cheshire County Show, Richard has helped to open doors for young people entering agriculture, supporting their development and long-term career prospects. He continues this work as Patron of Cheshire Young Farmers’ Clubs and has recently been invited to become a Freeman of the Worshipful Livery Company of HR.

His connection to Salford goes back to a very different experience of studying, balancing work with evening classes. As Richard reflects:

“My time studying at Salford, which was many years ago, will always be a fond memory of night school twice a week, after a long day at work, in a not-so-warm lecture room on a top floor, with dodgy massive wall heaters in the room.

“But the genuine warmth, fun and encouragement from all the lecturing team kept me and my fellow students going. I understand the heating is now considerably much improved!

“My studies at Salford provided a strong foundation for my HR career and I could never have imagined I would have received recognition from my King and country.”

Today, that connection has come full circle. Alongside returning to share his experience with students, Richard has also developed his own management theory, The Ikin Trade Union Relationship Model, focused on best practice in trade union relationships. The model will be the subject of an academic paper by Dr Jonathan Lord, scheduled for publication in Autumn 2026.

He said: “I continue to be proud of my Salford roots and the opportunities they gave me.

“I am also particularly proud to be receiving the support of Dr Jonathan Lord on my exciting management theory of ‘The Ikin Trade Union Relationship Model’.

“In many respects, this is serendipity. It is wonderful to return to Salford all these years later, where it all began, to explore with our upcoming future leaders.”

Richard’s story is a brilliant example of the difference our alumni make, and the role they play in supporting those who follow.

If you have a story you’d like to share on Graduate Voice, please get in touch at alumni@salford.ac.uk.