Stratford’s family-owned business which grew into a multi-billion-pound global enterprise
STRATFORD’S largest company, which has grown from a £2,000 investment into a £3.7 billion global enterprise, is marking its 50th year in business.
The Rigby Group, which operates across the technology, airports, real estate and hotels sectors, is one of the UK’s most successful family companies. It was founded by Sir Peter Rigby in 1975 after he was forced to halt his dream of becoming a pilot in order to financially support his family.
Launched in Liverpool, in five decades the company, which has its HQ in Stratford by the leisure centre, has become an international operation supporting more than 9,000 employees and contractors in nine countries.
One of the companies under the Rigby umbrella, IT services firm SCC, was a sponsor and service provider to last year’s Paris Olympic Games. The firm remains the cornerstone business of Rigby Group, contributing £3.3bn in turnover in 2024.
Sir Peter, who was knighted in 2002 for services to IT and business and was the first British-born businessman to receive France’s highest honour, the Legion d’honneur, said: said: “From day one, we set out to value our people, innovate for our customers, and give back to the communities we work in. As we celebrate this landmark year, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.
“We are 100 per cent family owned, and we are steadfastly committed to looking after our people and realising the potential of the communities they live and work in. Above all, we always try to do the right thing, and I am proud of the efforts we make to harness the UK’s skilled talent and foster innovation, growth and job opportunities.”
Sir Peter’s sons, Steve and James Rigby, joined the family business in the 1990s, and are now the group’s co-CEOs.
Steve is also chair of the Rigby Foundation, which was founded by Sir Peter in 1992 to support charities and good causes covering entrepreneurship, youth services and culture.
Sir Peter has also been a big supporter of the Shakespeare Hospice.
Steve added: “With our strong West Midlands roots, Rigby Group is a great example of what a home-grown family business can achieve in the UK and on a global stage with a clear vision, hard work, and talented teams. By cultivating the right entrepreneurial environment in which family businesses can thrive I believe many more could do the same.”
As well as IT, the Rigby Group’s business interests include four airports – Bournemouth, Coventry, Exeter and Norwich, commercial property and an investment arm which specialises in technology businesses. There is also the Eden Collection, a boutique hotel chain which includes Leamington Mallory Court Hotel and the Arden Hotel in Stratford, and Allect International Design and Delivery Group, the global design and delivery division.
To mark its 50th anniversary, the Rigby Group will hold a series of activities, events, and philanthropic initiatives throughout 2025.