About

Chair of Family Business UK (FBUK)

Patron of The Entrepreneurs Network

Member of NatWest’s Mid-Market Growth Council

Judge for Private Business Awards

Chair of The Rigby Foundation

Past Development Board Chair,  Place2Be

Judge of World Super Yacht Awards

Steve Rigby is CEO of Rigby Group, one of the UK’s largest privately-owned companies. Founded in 1975 by his father, Sir Peter Rigby, Steve today leads the business with his brother James, guiding Rigby Group through technology, and sustainable business innovation.

Over 30 years, Steve has helped grow Rigby Group from £1.5bn to nearly £4bn in revenue and doubled its workforce. He leads strategy, finance, and investments across private and public markets, and is known for building sustainable businesses through bold, long-term vision. Steve serves on the boards of SCC, Rigby Technology Investments, Rigby Real Estate, and Eden Hotel Collection, as well as other Group companies. According to The Sunday Times The Rigby family are currently the UK's 44th largest tax payers.

As Chair of The Rigby Foundation, a charity focused on place-based giving, Steve ensures Rigby Group’s success supports Midlands communities and regional growth. Committed to making the UK the optimum place to start and grow a business, he serves as Chair of Family Business UK (FBUK) and is a member of NatWest’s Mid-Market Growth Council, championing pro-entrepreneurship policies that create prosperity and social good.

He is a respected UK business commentator and regular award winner, named among the World’s Top 50 Family Enterprise Advisors.

Values

Steve has long taken an active interest not just in his own organisation, but also contributing to the national debate on ways to create a better business climate and create more economic opportunities for all throughout the UK and the world.

In order to compete effectively on a global stage, Steve believes in a three-pronged approach:

Regional

+ Committed to the West Midlands

+ Supporter of devolution and regional autonomy

+ Investing and growing local talent

+ Building collaboration between business, non-profits, and public sector

National

+ Overhaul of the UK tax system to create a progressive, growth-driven economy

+ Modernisation of social security and pensions to encourage work and long-term sustainability

+ Promoting long-term political vision to strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness

International

+ Embracing AI responsibly, balancing innovation with human impact

+ Prioritising employment over welfare through job-focused programs

+ Boosting Europe’s global competitiveness with long-term growth strategies human impact

Awards & Accolades

  • Logo for the International Business Excellence Awards, featuring an orange geometric emblem and the text in gray.

    Business Leader of the Year,
    Gold Award

  • A circular badge for the 2022 Business Brilliance Awards featuring a stylized diamond graphic, with text indicating the award winner is the Business Leader of the Year.

    Business Brilliance Awards, Business Leader of the Year

  • Logo for Business Awards UK in pink and blue text.

    UK Business Awards,
    Business Leader of the Year

  • Black and white logo with a circular icon of a bar graph and the text "EY Entrepreneur Of The Year".

    EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Finalist 

  • SeedLegals Startup Awards 2024 finalist badge with a navy blue background, a stylized teal 'A' with a drop shape, and white text.

    SeedLegals Startup Awards,
    Angel Investor of the Year, Finalist

  • Black text on white background reads "Family Capital" in a bold, italic font.

    FamCap 50, World’s Top 50 Family Enterprise Advisors