Record results for Warwickshire’s largest private business
One of the Midlands’ largest private businesses has increased its revenues and profits by around 50% in three years as it revealed its latest record performance last year.
The Rigby Group grew sales by more than £200m to £2.37bn in the year to March, an increase of 9% in the year and 47% higher than 2015.
Profits, as measured by EBITDA, were up 3% year-on-year and 55% over the last three years, to £58.7m.
Rigby Group, which is headquartered in Stratford-upon-Avon, is one of the largest private businesses in the Midlands, behind only GKN, 2 Sisters, JCB and bet365.
Sir Peter Rigby founded Specialist Computer Centres (SCC) in 1975 and is now chairman and chief executive of the eponymous parent group which has wide-ranging interests in technology, airports, hotels, aviation, real estate and finance.
“It has been another exceptional year for the diverse business divisions of the Rigby Group,” said Sir Peter.
“There is real strength in this diversity, particularly in the ongoing uncertainity we see in the economic climate.”
Despite that, he believed “the year ahead is full of promise” and predicts the group will achieve new records.
Steven Rigby, group chief operating officer and son of Sir Peter, said the group continues to “expand and invest across our portfolio”.
“Our aim is to create a £1bn market value diversified group with EBITDA of £100m that will make Rigby Group one of the most successful wholly-owned family businesses the UK has ever produced,” he said.
“We are seeing the fruits of the acquisitions we have made over the past few years and there are some strong examples of collaboration and cross-selling driving growth.
“We have also added to our group via acquisitions including Bournemouth Airport and remain interested in further buying opportunities.”
The group operates 115 companies in 20 countries, employing more than 8,500 people. Its largest division is technology and SCC generates around 77% of the group’s revenues and profits.
Its Midlands interests include owning Coventry Airport, alongside three other regional UK airports, Mallory Court hotel in Warwickshire, as part of its portfolio of boutique country house hotels, and its commercial development arm recently completed the 30-acre Imperial Park manufacturing and distribution hub in Coventry.
