Simon Rigby: where did it all start for the Lancashire entrepreneur?

Simon Rigby was an entrepreneurial powerhouse.
Simon Rigby pictured when he bought the Guild Centre, next to Preston Guild HallSimon Rigby pictured when he bought the Guild Centre, next to Preston Guild Hall
Simon Rigby pictured when he bought the Guild Centre, next to Preston Guild Hall

In his lifetime, Simon Rigby was director of more than 100 businesses, and employed thousands of people.

>>>Read more about Simon Rigby's business ventures here

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Born the son of farmers, he remarked during an interview with the Independent newspaper that he had become the only "wage slave" in his family, and was keen to have the chance to run his own business.

Mr Rigby wanted to turn the Guild Centre in Preston into luxury accomodationMr Rigby wanted to turn the Guild Centre in Preston into luxury accomodation
Mr Rigby wanted to turn the Guild Centre in Preston into luxury accomodation

When he made his fortune in the world of utilities, it wasn't long before he found his way back to his agricultural roots, and began to look at investments in his home city of Preston.

How it began:

Simon's business journey started when he graduated from Hull University with a degree in economics. He then qualified as an accountant and began working at Yorkshire Electricity.

While at Yorkshire Electricity, he became a 'change agent', restructuring businesses the company was keen to dispose of.

Mr Rigby at Level, a bowling facility inside the the Guild HallMr Rigby at Level, a bowling facility inside the the Guild Hall
Mr Rigby at Level, a bowling facility inside the the Guild Hall
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He was seconded to the board of The Freedom Group, and in 1996 led its management buyout from Yorkshire Electricity, starting with a single contract worth £3m.

He renamed the utility service business Spice, based on the mantra of society, people, innovation, customers and excellence.

In 2010, Spice was sold to private equity investors for £251m, with Simon pocketing a sum believed to be £22m.

After his retirement as chief executive of Spice, he then turned his attention to Farmgen, an anaerobic-digestion power company near Warton. The company produces methane when high-energy crops are eaten by bacteria. The methane is then turned into electricity.

Receiving his MBE in 2017Receiving his MBE in 2017
Receiving his MBE in 2017

What else did he own?

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According to Companies House, at the time of his death, Mr Rigby was the director of 72 active businesses.

They included several energy companies, a holiday accommodation business, children's nurseries, the Wrea Green-based Villa hotel and restaurant group, a dessert company and renting and leasing machinery.

In the past he had owned, among others, a care group, Clifton Quality Meats and the Betsid betting shop chain.

He also had a prolific property portfolio, at one time owning 150 houses, all privately rented. In a 2010 interview, he said at his most successful property investment was to buy a bungalow for £31,000, replace one window, and sell it 10 days later for £63,000.

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He also invested in commercial property in Preston city centre, including the ill-fated Preston Guild Hall, Fives bar, the former Odeon Cinema and Guild Tower.

Recognition.

In March 2017, Mr Rigby was granted an MBE by Prince Charles during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

He was given the honour for his services to business in the North West.

When he found out about the accolade, he said he was “bowled over” by the news, and dedicated it to his staff.

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He said: “I’m going to write to all the staff and thank them because, if you look at the business we do in the north of England, I’m the gaffer but if you look at the work done on the ground it’s done by 2,500 staff.

In the same year, Mr Rigby was also named Lancastrian of the Year at the BIBA business awards.

He then said: "As a born and bred Lancastrian being named Lancastrian of the year is well spooky. I owe thanks to all the staff I employee who have made all my achievements possible.”

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