Prominent North West entrepreneur, Simon Rigby, dies, aged 58

Preston entrepreneur, Simon Rigby, has passed away, it was announced yesterday.

The Lancashire businessman, who owned Preston’s Guildhall which was part of his Villa Group, originally made his millions from the sale of his stake in Yorkshire-based utilities company, Spice, in 2010.

It was sold to private equity investors for £251m, with Simon receiving around £22m.

He then founded green energy company Farmgen, an anaerobic-digestion power company, as well as more than 100 other companies – including Betsid betting shops, children’s nursery chains and a care group – creating numerous jobs.

In 2017 he was awarded an MBE for services to business in Lancashire and was also named Lancastrian of the Year.

The Rigby Organisation has confirmed his untimely passing, adding that it was not linked to coronavirus.

The group said Simon had a hugely successful business career over many decades. He was a recognised leader in his field and a multi-award winning creative and energetic entrepreneur.

His many skills, great sense of humour and warmth of character made him beloved by a great many, the statement said.

It added: “From his home village of Warton, then spending time studying and building businesses in Yorkshire, Simon made friends at every turn and loved nothing more than being hands on in the business at the sharp end.

“He was a celebrated and famous business face throughout Lancashire, the North West and beyond, creating thousands of jobs throughout his home county in his many and varied businesses.

“He often paved a way so that others could follow and believed deeply in developing young talent to become the next generation of business leaders.

“He will be sadly missed by many and at this most difficult time the Rigby family have asked for privacy whilst they try to come to terms with the shock of Simon’s death.”

Tom Flack, chief finance officer for The Rigby Organisation, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened.

“The thoughts of everyone at the Rigby organisation are with Simon’s family and friends and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.

“It was a great privilege to know him personally and work alongside him for the last nine years.”

Lisa Mathew, business development director for the Rigby Organisation, said: “Simon was such a unique, larger than life character and will leave a huge void for so many.

“My thoughts are with his family with whom I had the privilege to get know personally through our 10-year working relationship.”