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
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
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
Rigby died in 2020, aged 58.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Earnshaw, Tom (2020-08-27). "The life of one of Preston's most prominent businessmen Simon Rigby". Lancs Live. Retrieved 2025-11-29.
- ^ a b c d "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.