Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

The Times: Budget must start to take the burden off business

September 2025: Steve authors a piece for The Times arguing that the forthcoming Budget must begin to ease the pressure on businesses. He highlights that many business leaders believe the increasing burdens on their firms serve as a smokescreen to avoid tougher decisions on spending, personal tax, and pensions.

Read More
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.

Read More
Philanthropy Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Philanthropy Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

The Times: Rigby Foundation backs urgent call to tackle school absenteeism

September 2025: A study by the Centre for Social Justice, supported by the Rigby Foundation, warns that rising school absence is costing pupils their futures and the economy billions. The report urges government action, including mandatory “attendance awareness” courses for parents, to rebuild trust between families and schools.

Read More
Philanthropy, Unlocking regional growth Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Philanthropy, Unlocking regional growth Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
Unlocking regional growth, Philanthropy Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Unlocking regional growth, Philanthropy Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

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.

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

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).

Read More
Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave Family & Private Businesses Dave Hawkins // Made by Dave

The Times: My leadership advice for No 10 in a world turned upside down

March 2025: Steve writes in The Times sharing his thoughts on the parallels between  political and business leadership and setting out some policies that could help deliver much needed economic growth in the UK. His proposals include reforming the triple lock, establishing realistic debt targets, and recalibrating the UK's net zero ambitions.

Read More