Fifty years ago, a 21-year-old working-class boy from Liverpool with a passion for aviation and an instinct for business set out to build something different.

Armed with just £2,000 in savings and a determination to succeed and support his family through difficult times, Sir Peter Rigby used his expertise in the newly forming IT industry to found what would become Rigby Group - one of the UK’s most successful family businesses.

In the decades since, that modest venture has transformed into a £4 billion multinational group spanning technology, aviation, real estate, and hospitality. With 9,000 people working for the group across nine countries, Rigby Group has remained at the forefront of innovation, investment, and philanthropy - all while staying true to the family values that have been present since day one.

“From day one, we set out to do things differently - 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,” said Sir Peter.

“We are immensely proud of what we have built together over the last 50 years - and even more excited about what’s to come.”

A year of celebration: honouring our People and Achievements

Sir Peter, James, and Steve Rigby joined together for a special webcast to mark the start of our epic year of celebration - you can watch it again at the top of the page - and the overall message is clear: Rigby Group’s success has always been powered by people, and will continue to be so.

“Out of our 9,000 colleagues, more than 2,000 people have been with us on this journey for 10 years or more. Incredibly, more than 500 people have been contributing to this family business for at least 25 years,” said Co-CEO James Rigby.

“This company was built on family values: hard work, integrity, and the desire to give back. Those principles remain at the core of everything we do today,” added Sir Peter. “We are proud to be a multigenerational business, committed to innovation, sustainability, and ensuring that Rigby Group continues to thrive for the next 50 years and beyond.”

“We have always been a family business, and we’re proud of that,” reflects Co-CEO Steve Rigby. “The values instilled by my father - integrity, hard work, and a commitment to innovation - continue to shape our culture.”

Looking ahead: the next chapter

The next 50 years will see Rigby Group continue to lead in technology, with an ambition to drive positive change in the communities we serve.

“Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and we are positioned at the forefront of that change,” said James.“ As a family business, we think in generations, not quarters. That long-term vision gives us a unique strength in a fast-moving world.”

“We are just as ambitious today as we were 50 years ago,” added Steve. “Our role is to continue driving innovation, delivering excellence, and ensuring that the Rigby Group remains a leading force for decades to come.”