Sir Peter Rigby to deliver University of Wolverhampton’s Crystal Lecture

LEADING Midlands businessman Sir Peter Rigby has been chosen to deliver a keynote speech about entrepreneurship at the University of Wolverhampton.

Sir Peter will deliver the annual Crystal Lecture at the university tomorrow (Thursday). The speech will be entitled ‘Building a World Class Business from Scratch’.

The entrepreneur will discuss the importance of a clear vision in building a substantial business, as well as how entrepreneurial skills provide competitive advantage. He will also speak about how to re-set perceptions on entrepreneurship and its contribution to British economic growth.

Sir Peter is the chairman and chief executive of the Rigby Group, which he founded in 1975 with £2,000 savings. It has grown to become the parent company for a portfolio of privately-owned and highly successful businesses operating across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
 
Diversifying from its origins as a principally technology-led business, Rigby Group has evolved – through smart, strategic acquisitions – into a £1.8bn portfolio business. With two generations of the Rigby family at the helm, the company has built a distinguished reputation as both an investor and business operator; renowned for its independent thinking, seamless execution and a peerless approach to acquiring and nurturing businesses to unleash their potential.
 
Dr Anthea Gregory, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted that someone of Sir Peter’s calibre will be addressing our delegates. We are sure that an audience of entrepreneurial talent will learn what it is takes to create a successful large business from humble beginnings from the experiences and insights that Sir Peter will share with them.”

The event, which is the university’s 21st Crystal Lecture, takes place at the Millennium City Building at 6pm. To book a free place visit www.managers.org.uk/crystal-lecture.