28 January 2025 - Rigby Group, Europe's largest private technology investor and one of the UK’s most successful family companies, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a remarkable journey that has seen it grow from humble beginnings into a global business powerhouse.
Launched with a £2,000 investment from humble beginnings in Liverpool, in five decades the company has become an international operation supporting over 9,000 employees and contractors in nine countries – working at the forefront of transformative change in technology, philanthropy and sustainable business practices. One in five colleagues have been part of Rigby Group’s success over the long-term – more than 2,000 current staff have stayed with the business for 10 or more years, with 1,000 of them reaching 20 years of service.
Founded by Sir Peter Rigby in 1975, after circumstances forced him to relinquish his dream of becoming a pilot in order to financially support his family, Rigby Group has grown into a diversified enterprise spanning technology, airports, real estate and hospitality with an annual turnover of £3.7bn. Most recently the Rigby family were recognised as the 39th largest taxpayers in the UK in the 2025 Sunday Times Tax List.
The Group’s first and flagship business, SCC - now Europe’s largest privately-owned IT services company - serves over 2,500 customers, enabling 5 million users in 50 countries. Sir Peter’s sons, Steve and James Rigby, joined the family business in the 1990s, and today lead the Group as Co-CEOs.
Long recognised for his exceptional contribution to the business community, Sir Peter was knighted in 2002 for services to IT and business in the West Midlands, before in 2021 becoming the first British-born businessman to receive France’s highest honour, the Legion d'honneur.
Sir Peter Rigby, Founder and Chairman of Rigby Group, said: "From day one, we set out to value our people, innovate for our customers, and give back to the communities we work in. As we celebrate this landmark year, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.
“We are 100% family owned, and we are steadfastly committed to looking after our people and realising the potential of the communities they live and work in. Above all, we always try to do the right thing, and I am proud of the efforts we make to harness the UK’s skilled talent and foster innovation, growth and job opportunities.”
Eden Hotel Collection has formed a key part of The Rigby Group’s growth after it was formed by the Group in 2008, with a commitment to provide impeccable standards of service and attention to detail from the very beginning.
Mark Chambers, Managing Director at Eden Hotel Collection, commented: “The Rigby Group’s values of looking after its people and the communities it serves filters right the way down into each of Eden Hotel Collection’s boutique hotels – and is one of the key reasons that we have recently been recognised as the AA’s Small Hotel Group of the Year.
“We are proud to be part of The Rigby Group, and I’d like to congratulate Sir Peter Rigby and the wider Group on reaching such a significant milestone.”
A Year of Celebration and Reflection
To mark the 50th Anniversary, Rigby Group will hold a series of activities, events, and philanthropic initiatives throughout 2025 to celebrate its achievements and honour its employees, customers and partners.
