Simon Rigby
Simon Rigby | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 1961 |
| Died | 26 August 2020 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
William Simon Rigby (December 1961 – 26 August 2020) was an English businessman. At the time of his death he was an active member of over 70 companies.
Early life and career
[edit]Rigby was born in 1961. The son of a farmer and one of six siblings, he grew up in Warton, Lancashire.[1][2]
He graduated from the University of Hull with a degree in economics[3] and began his career on the eastern side of the Pennines, working for Yorkshire Electricity. He bought out the company and formed Spice PLC.[1]
As chief executive officer of Spice, which began with twelve employees, he oversaw the company's record turnover of £400 million with a staff of 4,500. Cinven purchased Spice in 2010 for £450 million.[1]
In 2014, he purchased Preston Guild Hall from Preston City Council for £1.[4] It was returned to the council in 2019 after alleged significant lease agreement breaches.[1]
He saved Lancashire ice-cream purveyors Bonds of Elswick from liquidation in December 2017.[1][2] The same year, he was named Lancastrian of the Year at the Biba Awards.[2][5]
Rigby established The Rigby Organisation, which is headquartered at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool.
Personal life
[edit]Rigby was awarded an MBE in 2017,[6] for services to business in the North West.[1]
He was married to Linda,[7] with whom he had two children.[2]
Death
[edit]Rigby died in 2020, aged 58.[1]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Earnshaw, Tom (2020-08-27). "The life of one of Preston's most prominent businessmen Simon Rigby". Lancs Live. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- 1 2 3 4 "Simon Rigby: the 'Preston-mad' businessman who bought - then lost - the Guild Hall". Lancashire Evening Post. 2020-08-27. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ↑ "Simon Rigby: where did it all start for the Lancashire entrepreneur?". Lancashire Evening Post. 2020-08-27. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ↑ "Preston Guild Hall sold to businessman Simon Rigby". BBC News. 2014-07-05. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ↑ Whitear, Sam (2017-09-18). "Simon Rigby is the BIBAs' Lancastrian of the Year - Business Lancashire". Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ↑ "A birthday honour for Fylde coast notables". Blackpool Gazette. 2016-06-10. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ↑ "Simon Rigby's family thanks well-wishers after businessman's sudden death". Lancashire Evening Post. 2020-09-10. Retrieved 2025-11-29.