Richard Nicol, Chair of Corporation

Richard Nicol has spent over 35 years in Research and Development in Telecommunications Industry, including some years as Head of Research of BT. He is a graduate of University College London, where he gained a BSc (Eng) and a PhD in Electronic Engineering, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a Chartered Engineer.

He has worked closely with Universities throughout his career, has been involved as a Corporation Member of the college for over 10 years and was very active with the campaign that led to the creation of UCS and Suffolk New College. He a Council member of the University of Essex and has been a research advisor to several Universities including UCL, Imperial College, Lancaster and Strathclyde.

Richard continues to work as a part-time consultant with the telecommunications sector on research strategy and academic relations. 

He is a founder and chairman of the company that runs a, government supported but industry-led, knowledge transfer network covering the IT, Telecomms and Broadcasting  sectors in the UK and is also a board member of the the Suffolk Development Agency.

His leisure interests include supporting Ipswich Town, diy and 'messing around' with various boats.

In July 2009, Richard became Chair of Suffolk New College Corporation after serving four years as Vice-Chair.