Rigby Group Celebrates 50 Years of Innovation, Global Growth, and Impact
By Anushka Malhotra
1 minute 58 seconds
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Quick Read: Rigby Group celebrates its 50th anniversary, reflecting on five decades of growth, innovation, and community impact. The family-owned business has expanded into a global leader across technology, aviation, and real estate while remaining deeply rooted in the West Midlands.
Stratford-Upon-Avon-based Rigby Group, one of Europe's largest private technology investors and a pioneering family-run business, marks its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1975 with a £2,000 investment by Sir Peter Rigby, the company has grown from humble beginnings in Liverpool into a global enterprise, employing over 9,000 people across nine countries and generating annual revenue of £3.7 billion.

A Remarkable Journey of Growth

Over five decades, Rigby Group has played a pivotal role at the forefront of technology, real estate, and aviation sectors. Its flagship business, SCC, has grown into Europe’s largest privately-owned IT services provider, serving over 2,500 clients and supporting 5 million users in 50 countries.
Sir Peter's sons, Steve and James Rigby, joined the business in the 1990s and now serve as Co-CEOs, continuing the family’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
Photo: Steve Rigby, Photo Credit: Rigby Group plc
Sir Peter, who was knighted in 2002 for his services to IT and business, reflected on the company's journey:
"From day one, we set out to value our people, innovate for our customers, and give back to the communities we work in. Those principles remain at the heart of everything we do. Being 100% family-owned, we are steadfastly committed to nurturing talent and fostering job opportunities that benefit our communities."
A testament to the company’s strong employee culture, over 2,000 employees have been with Rigby Group for more than a decade, with 1,000 reaching 20 years of service.

Strong West Midlands Roots and Global Impact

The Rigby Group remains deeply connected to the West Midlands, reflecting its commitment to local communities and fostering growth within the UK. The Rigby Foundation, founded by Sir Peter in 1992, has supported numerous charitable causes, particularly in entrepreneurship, youth services, and culture.
Steve Rigby, Co-CEO, emphasised the importance of family leadership and local investment:
"Rigby Group is a shining example of what a home-grown family business can achieve on the global stage with the right vision and talented teams. By cultivating an entrepreneurial environment, more family businesses can thrive and achieve similar success."

Global Achievements and Sponsorships

In a notable milestone, SCC France served as the Official IT Supporter of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, managing IT procurement, supply, and maintenance throughout the event while supporting digital sustainability.
James Rigby, Co-CEO, said:
"Providing IT infrastructure for the Olympics exemplifies our commitment to delivering for our customers. It’s a proud achievement that reflects the dedication of our entire workforce."
Recently, Rigby Group announced a key sponsorship of Tech Nation’s Rising Stars OnetoWin pitch competition, which aims to identify and support emerging UK tech businesses and talent.

Celebrating 50 Years of Success

To mark its golden anniversary, Rigby Group will host a series of events, philanthropic initiatives, and celebrations throughout 2025 to honour its employees, customers, and partners who have contributed to its success.
What's new

Inicio AI Raises £2.6M in Seed Round to Scale AI-Powered Financial Platform

Inicio AI, a Coventry-based fintech innovator, has raised £2.6 million in seed funding to fuel growth and roll out its FCA-regulated consumer affordability platform.
The funding round was supported by a consortium of high-profile investors, including Rigby Group, Morgan Stanley, Haatch Ventures, Angel Academe, Mint Ventures, and a number of individual angel investors. It also includes a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital.
The raise follows Inicio AI’s recent win at Birmingham Tech Week’s OneToWin pitch competition, where it earned recognition for Budgie AI, its intelligent virtual agent designed to help individuals better manage their finances.
The funds will be used to scale the company’s operations, including the launch of the UK’s first FCA-regulated specialist consumer affordability passporting service. This innovation will allow consumers to share verified affordability data with third parties, streamlining financial assessments across sectors.
The company also plans to grow its West Midlands headquarters, adding new talent in tech and data roles to support ongoing development.
Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI, commented:
“This investment, alongside our OneToWin recognition, represents a major milestone. It enables us to enhance our technology, scale our impact, and help more people take control of their financial future while improving efficiency for lenders.”
The WMCO, jointly launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Pension Fund, aims to back high-growth SMEs driving innovation and economic growth in the region through matched equity investment of up to £1 million.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said:
“Inicio AI is a fantastic example of regional innovation. With the right investment and support, local companies like this can launch groundbreaking solutions that improve lives and grow our economy.”
Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and Fund Principal of WMCO, added:
“Inicio AI’s cutting-edge approach to affordability assessments is reshaping how the financial sector operates. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”
By Anushka Malhotra
16 Apr