One of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs shared the secrets of 40 years in business at the first Venturefest West Midlands.
Sir Peter Rigby was interviewed by former BBC Midlands Today presenter Suzanne Virdee about how he has grown multi-national Rigby Group plc from a start-up business over the last four decades.
Sir Peter, the chairman and chief executive of The Rigby Group, was the keynote speaker at the start of Venturefest West Midlands at the NEC in Birmingham which attracted entrepreneurs, investors and innovators to meet and discuss ideas to support economic growth across the region.
During the Venturefest interview, the audience heard how The Rigby Group today has a £1.8 billion turnover.
He said: “The business has significantly evolved since it began in 1975, but that has always been the plan. By strategically acquiring over 70 businesses in a variety of sectors across the last 40 years, we have built a diverse and dynamic company targeting opportunities across the economy.
“Expanding internationally we have put together the people, the technologies and the strategies required to turn SCC into Europe’s largest privately owned IT solutions company and a leading cloud services provider to the public and private sectors. Now, with the same expertise, we are bringing our track record of sustainable success to the hotel and aviation industries.
“I think it is important for entrepreneurs to follow their instincts and have passion, ambition and vision. If you believe in your idea, you must work hard and never give up even when everything seems to be conspiring against you.
“I am enjoying celebrating 40 years in business but my real focus continues to be on what lies ahead, because you must never stand still in business.
“Looking ahead, we intend to continue to follow our business philosophy of blending key strategic acquisitions with organic growth to deliver stable, sustainable expansion in the future.
“The Midlands is a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity and we need to harness these talents for the benefit of the regional economy to attract the best business brains and promote our area to the rest of the UK and beyond.
“Events such as Venturefest West Midlands have an important role to play in encouraging entrepreneurs and providing the opportunity to discuss new ideas with like-minded people.”
Pam Waddell, director of Birmingham Science City, which organised the event, added: “This year’s inaugural Venturefest WM has been a great success, providing more than 500 of the region’s talented entrepreneurs with the opportunity to learn from experienced speakers across the science and technology sectors.
“It was encouraging to see such an excellent turnout and there was a real buzz between the investors and innovators that attended. We are confident that the conversations that took place and the ideas that were shared will help the region’s start-ups continue their development.”