Businessman Simon Rigby dies suddenly aged 58

It is understood the 58-year-old, who ran The Villa group and bought Preston Guild Hall in 2014, died suddenly yesterday.

His death was not linked to coronavirus, the family have said.

>>>Read more about Simon Rigby's life and career here

IN PICTURES: These are some of the businesses in Preston and Lancashire that Simon Rigby was involved with

Tom Flack, chief finance officer for The Rigby Organisation said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened. The thoughts of everyone at the Rigby organisation are with

Simon's family and friends and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

"It was a great privilege to know him personally and work alongside him for the last nine years."

Lisa Mathew, business development director for the Rigby Organisation said: “Simon was such a unique, larger than life character and will leave a huge void for so many. My thoughts are with his family with whom I had the privilege to get know personally through our ten-year working relationship.”

Babs Murphy. Chief Executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “He was a hard headed businessman but his support for Preston was unstinting.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Mr Rigby, who lived in Wrea Green, made his millions after selling his stake in Yorkshire-based utilities company, Spice, in 2010.

He went on to found green energy company Farmgen, as well as more than 100 other companies, including The Villa Group, Betsid betting shops, children's nursery chains and a care group.

Mr Rigby took over Preston Guild Hall from the city council in 2014 but it closed its doors in May 2019, and the company behind it went into administration.

In 2017 he was awarded an MBE for services to business in Lancashire and was also named Lancastrian of the Year.

>>> For more about how he started his career, click here