Advocacy

Business Advocacy

“We need to empower private and family businesses as key drivers for Britain’s long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity.”

STEVE RIGBY

Private businesses, many of them family-owned, are the backbone of the UK economy, driving long-term growth, creating jobs, generating wealth, and fostering innovation.

Yet, despite their vital contribution, they are often overlooked by policymakers, who tend to focus on start-ups and large public companies. Steve is a passionate advocate for stronger government support to ensure private businesses thrive.

As Chair of Family Businesses UK (FBUK), the nation’s leading voice for family-owned enterprises, and Member of NatWest Group’s Mid-market Growth Council and the Private Business Commission, he brings together business leaders to tackle critical issues, from tax incentives to funding access.

Through his leadership and advocacy, Steve works to build a policy environment that empowers private businesses to scale and succeed to ensure a prosperous UK economy.

Initiatives

  • Project MADE

    Project MADE outlined a 10-year vision and plan to establish the West Midlands as a world-leading advanced manufacturing supercluster, aiming to generate £44bn in annual output, create 50,000 jobs and attract £1.6bn in investment by 2035. 

  • Family Business UK (FBUK)

    Steve chairs Family Business UK, the nation’s leading advocate for family-owned enterprises, strengthening their impact and success.

  • NatWest Mid-Market Growth Council

    Steve is a member of NatWest’s Mid-Market Growth Council, championing the interests of mid-sized businesses and driving their growth.

  • Private Business Commission

    Steve chaired the UK’s Private Business Commission, which identifies and recommends reforms to improve the business environment in the UK.

  • Rising Stars Competition

    Steve is a proud supporter of the 2025 Rising Stars competition, which seeks to uncover and accelerate the UK’s most innovative early-stage companies.