The Rigby Organisation has paid tribute to its founder member Simon Rigby MBE who has died aged 58.

In a statement, the organisation credited Mr Rigby’s successful business career, which spanned many decades, saying he was “a recognised leader in his field and a multi award winning creative and energetic entrepreneur.”

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They said: “His many skills, great sense of humour and warmth of character made him beloved by a great many.

“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 right 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 asked for privacy as they come to terms with the shock of Simon’s sudden death.

His death is not linked to coronavirus.

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 9 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 ten-year working relationship.”

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