SIR Peter Rigby’s contribution to business in the midlands has been recognised with a lifetime achievement award.
The chairman of Warwickshire-based Rigby Group, one of the top ten largest privately-owned companies in the UK, was honoured at this year’s Midlands Business Awards.
It comes as Sir Peter, who is also the founder and chief executive of the group, marks more than 40 years at the helm of the company.
During that time he has established himself as one of the leading entrepreneurs in the country.
Founding Rigby Group in 1975, Sir Peter initially focused on the IT sector.
In 1996 the company diversified into a range of other sectors including hospitality, aerospace, infrastructure, real estate and financial services.
With a turnover of more than £2billion, the group today is split across six operating groups – SCC, Patriot Aerospace, Eden Hotel Collection, Rigby Real Estate and Rigby Capital.
The company operates 140 different companies in 20 countries worldwide, employing more than 8,500 people across the globe – the majority of which are UK based.
Sir Peter’s illustrious career also saw him appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2000 – a role he still holds today.
Two years later he was knighted for his contribution to business and IT in the midlands region.
His business acumen was also previously recognised by Ernst & Young when he received a lifetime achievement award for entrepreneurship.
Sir Peter also holds honorary doctorates from both Aston and Birmingham universities.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Sir Peter is a key figure in several charitable endeavours.
His family charitable trust, The Rigby Foundation, has provided substantial donations across a wide range of charitable causes, private and public projects and military charitable causes.
The most recent of these includes a £500,000 donation to champion innovative cancer care in south Warwickshire at Stratford’s new £22million hospital.
Sir Peter is also patron of The Shakespeare Hospice in Stratford and has previously served as a trustee of the Royal Air Force Museum where he helped develop the National Cold War Museum.
Other active roles include chairman of the Birmingham-based Millennium Point Trust Company, Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Honorary Group Captain of 602 (County of London) Squadron and Companion of the Chartered Management Institute.
