Revealed: How the new head of Paragon Interiors took the reins

John Rigby

The man behind the re-birth of Paragon Interiors has revealed the background to the deal.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com, John Rigby, the new head of the fit-out firm which was sold to London-based Elev8 Interiors last week, has told how he had just returned from holiday when the offer came through to take the reins at Paragon.

Paragon fell into administration in February, and, after a deal to buy the company fell through in March, all staff, including Rigby, were made redundant.

Rigby said: “I worked with Leonard Curtis, the administrators, in the first few days of Paragons administration. After the initial deal to buy Paragon fell through and we were all made redundant on 12 March, Elev8 Interiors expressed an interest. During the discussions between Leonard Curtis and Elev8 my name was mentioned and contact was made following my holiday with Jon Singh, managing director at Elev8. Following a number of meetings between us we entered into the re-launch of Paragon.”

Rigby told us that while it is early days he vision is to develop Paragon into “the excellent business it once was”.

He added: “We know this will take an enormous amount of effort and hard work and also the co-operation and commitment from customers and supply chain alike, however we are fully committed to the rebuilding of Paragon Interiors.”

Rigby said the new company will be looking for new premises. “The original offices do not form part of the purchase by Elev8 and as such we will be looking into locating elsewhere in the East Midlands in due course.”

Yesterday, Elev8 released a statement saying: “John brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Along with Elev8 MD Jon Singh, we have great plans for the future of Paragon Interiors Group.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close