Unlocking regional growth Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Unlocking regional growth Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

Steve Rigby Contributes to Global Growth Report 2025

September 2025: Steve contributes to The Global Growth Report 2025, commissioned by WMCA. His case study looks at the US tariffs which could cost the West Midlands £6.2 billion. He outlines how he led a taskforce to assess risks and shape policy, which helped secure a deal reducing tariffs and protecting the region’s economy.

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Over 100 Unemployed Young People in the West Midlands Upskilled Through Rigby Foundation Partnership

June 2025: More than 100 young unemployed people from the West Midlands have completed a Skills Bootcamp programme to help them into work, including tech careers, thanks to a pioneering partnership between The Rigby Foundation and skills charity Generation UK.

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Unlocking regional growth, Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Unlocking regional growth, Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

The Times: Entrepreneurs are founders that can succeed against the odds

May 2025: In the Sunday Times, Steve explores what makes an entrepreneur, not just starting a business, but growing it and achieving lasting success. He offers insights into how the UK can better foster and support entrepreneurial talent.

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BBC Midlands: Steve comments on the UK-US Trade Deal

May 2025: Steve responds to the newly announced UK–US trade deal, which will cut tariffs on the automotive sector, a move he has strongly advocated for. His reaction follows the publication of a detailed report he prepared for West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, warning of the damaging consequences of US automotive tariffs on the region.

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The Times: Why business should step up to fill gaps in our education system

April 2025: Steve writes in The Times about his recent visit to a Birmingham school, highlighting the vital role businesses must play in helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, creating value and driving economic growth.

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Sunday Times: We can’t just shut up shop.’ Birmingham braces for tax D-day

March 2025: Steve comments in the Sunday Times, discussing the impact on Birmingham businesses and retailers of the Government’s recent tax changes, including increases to employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs).

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The Rigby Foundation Pledges £3 Million to Support Young People in Birmingham

February 2025: The Rigby Foundation, chaired by Steve Rigby, launches its ground-breaking social mobility project, Inspiring Futures. The charity is pledging £3 million to help raise the aspirations of disadvantaged young people in Birmingham, pairing charities with schools across the city.

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ITV News: The Rigby Foundation funds training to get young people into work

July 2024: Steve discusses The Rigby Foundation’s announcement that it will be funding charity Gen UK, investing £600,000 in initiatives to support at least 300 young people across the West Midlands into technically skilled and well-paid jobs over the next three years.

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