About

Hi, I am Harley Richards,

Please allow me to introduce myself…

Who Am I?

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Having worked in the project management profession since 2016, I bring extensive experience and a strong working knowledge of a wide range of project management methods. I have contributed to numerous projects across different environments and have worked alongside some exceptional project professionals over the years — experience that has given me a well-rounded and practical perspective on the discipline.

I am based in Poole, Dorset, in the UK, a location that has played a significant role in shaping my career. I have had the opportunity to work extensively on maritime projects and programmes in and around the region’s natural harbour. From managing major yachting events to advising on risk management approaches, the natural environment has presented a wide range of challenges. I have consistently enjoyed applying strategic thinking to achieve the best possible outcomes in each scenario. These experiences provide a wealth of real-world insight, which I regularly bring into my professional project and programme training sessions.

I am proud to consistently achieve industry-leading pass rates for my delegates across PRINCE2, APM, and IPMA qualifications. I began my training career in 2019, delivering sessions such as What Makes the Perfect Business Case? and one of my personal favourites, PRINCE2 Practitioner Exam Workshops. Looking back, these early experiences provided valuable lessons and laid the foundation for a continued commitment to raising standards across the project management training profession.

Across every project I have been involved in, nothing gives me greater satisfaction than seeing candidates succeed — not only in their exams, but in applying these methods effectively throughout their careers. The sharing of knowledge is a genuine privilege, and I remain enthusiastic about meeting new professionals and exchanging experiences through learning.

If you would like to find out more, a detailed overview of my career to date is provided below:

My Experience

  • To start my career, I joined SPOCE Project Management (a market-leading Accredited Training Organisation at the time) as an Operations Coordinator. During this role, my passion for training quickly developed, supported by a management team who actively encouraged my progression and helped me build the skills required to move into delivery.

    Initially delivering PRINCE2 training, I discovered a genuine enjoyment for face-to-face teaching and engaging with other passionate project professionals.

  • When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the training industry, many courses were cancelled and virtual delivery had yet to fully establish itself. Keen to remain active and continue developing professionally, I joined the workforce at Poole Quay Boat Haven.

    In this role, I supported the scheduling of yachts in and out of the harbour, developed operational plans, and coordinated sailing and racing events. This experience allowed me to gain insight into an industry that had previously been a personal interest, broadening my professional perspective and strengthening my practical coordination skills.

  • When the training market recovered, I returned to SPOCE PM as a full-time trainer, where my true professional focus was firmly established. During this period, I gained APM and IPMA qualifications and went on to deliver training to over 1,000 candidates across these three frameworks.

    My delivery extended beyond traditional classroom settings to include virtual classrooms and bespoke e-learning solutions, which I personally designed and developed. These experiences remain some of the proudest achievements of my professional career — setting the stage for what came next.

  • Launching my own company, The Professional Practice Ltd. Now opening my training services to multiple Accredited Training Organisations across the UK and internationally.

    My goal is simple: to make project management training modern, engaging, accessible, and genuinely effective.

    I am confident that the best is yet to come, and I would be delighted to have you join me on the journey.

Contact

Are you looking to get qualified?

Or are you looking for professional training for your candidates?

I’d love to hear from you!

There’s no such thing as a silly question, just send me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible to connect you with the right professionals.