University of Liverpool - Opening of the Centre for Enterprise

It's a tremendous honour to be back in my hometown of Liverpool, celebrating the launch of the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise.

As you've heard, this Centre represents a significant step forward, not just for the University but for the entire Liverpool region, and it's a privilege to be part of this transformative journey.

For me, this initiative is deeply personal.

Giving back has always been important to me. From the moment my business began to find success, I set up a charitable foundation to run alongside it, because I believe in helping others realise their potential - no matter what their challenges are - just as I was fortunate enough to realise mine.

I was born just a mile or so from here, and raised in Crosby. I originally had my sights set on a career in the Royal Air Force, but unfortunately, when my father lost his eyesight and his job, I felt a duty to support my family.

Instead, I entered the workforce, starting my career at NCR, where I was thrown in at the deep end - learning the ropes of the computing industry from the ground up.

That early experience in computing lit a fire in me. After several years working in the IT sector, I saw the potential of technology and knew I wanted to build something of my own.

My first venture was in IT recruitment. I launched with just £2,000 in capital, but it was a cash-generating business that allowed me to fund the creation of SCC, the core of what would become the Rigby Group.

I saw an opportunity to build a business not just around hardware but around connecting people and organisations to the power of computing, and from there, Rigby Group grew. We expanded into areas like mainframe computing and built on the early success of personal computers. We ultimately diversified into sectors such as aviation, property, and hospitality, but at its heart, our business was and is always driven by innovation in technology and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

But the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise is about more than just fostering individual success - it's about supporting regional regeneration.

Throughout my career, I've been passionate about using technology to create opportunities and bridge the digital divide. As we approach the business's 50th anniversary, I take a great deal of satisfaction from highlights like this summer, when an enterprise launched for £2,000 successfully delivered the organisational, technical and human expertise driving the entire lifecycle chain of IT and audiovisual equipment for the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games - the biggest show on Earth.

But I'm equally if not more proud that amongst many social projects, our SCC Academy initiative has provided free digital skills training to over 500 individuals in the past year alone. Because I believe that education and technology are the tools we need to close the skills gap and drive positive social change.

The Liverpool Centre will build on this ethos, equipping people with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy, while also creating an environment where innovation can thrive.

Merseyside has always been a place of resilience, creativity, and innovation, and with the launch of this Centre, we are building a foundation for the next generation.

I know that this room is full of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators deeply committed to this city. I would appeal to you now to please come and join us on this journey.

By working together, we can build an ecosystem that supports innovation, drives business growth, makes a real impact on the regional economy, and creates opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background.