Is Britain at a defining moment — and does it have what it takes to seize the opportunity?
In this episode of Tomorrow: The Future Forum, Steve Rigby, CEO of Rigby Group, explores the future of Britain and the choices that could determine its place in the global economy.
Steve argues that the UK is at a critical crossroads. Britain has significant strengths, from London and its professional services sector to its education, business environment and ability to attract global talent but it also faces major challenges around productivity, investment, skills and long-term economic growth.
The conversation explores how Britain can compete in a rapidly changing global economy, why Steve believes the UK needs to be more ambitious, and where he sees major opportunities in AI, professional services, investment and technology.
Steve also discusses the impact of automation and robotics on jobs, whether robots could eventually need to contribute to the tax system, why government and business need to work more closely together, and what Britain needs to do to maintain its global relevance.
Along the way, Steve shares his approach to family business, philanthropy, learning and long-term thinking, including the importance of looking beyond where the "ball" is today to where it is going next.
*Steve Rigby, CEO of Rigby Group*
Steve Rigby is CEO of Rigby Group, a top 10 UK family business founded by his father, Sir Peter Rigby, in 1975.
Over 30 years, Steve has guided Rigby Group’s technological and sustainable innovation, and scaled revenue from £1.5 billion to nearly £4 billion, doubling the workforce. He oversees strategy, finance, and investments and serves on the boards of Rigby Group companies, including SCC and Eden Hotel Collection.
Dedicated to regional growth, Steve chairs The Rigby Foundation and Project MADE. He also champions UK entrepreneurship as Chair of Family Business UK (FBUK), is a member of the NatWest Mid-Market Growth Council, and a patron of The Entrepreneurs Network. Steve is a regular business commentator and has won numerous awards.
*About the Podcast*
The Future Forum podcast brings together leaders, thinkers and innovators to explore the ideas shaping tomorrow. For more information, head to www.futureforum.co
Each episode explores the intersection of leadership, technology, creativity and systems thinking.
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*Chapters*
00:00 – Britain Is at a Crossroads
01:48 – Why Britain Must Run Towards the Future
03:21 – The Cost of Economic Disruption
04:58 – Inside Rigby Group
06:29 – Why Family Businesses Think Long Term
10:01 – Britain's Strengths: What Are We Good At?
11:14 – Britain's Biggest Weakness: Talking Ourselves Down
12:51 – Where Is Britain's Biggest Opportunity?
15:16 – No Business Is Safe From Disruption
16:44 – Steve Rigby's Mission Beyond Business
19:22 – Why Giving Money Away Can Be More Rewarding
21:05 – Should the Next Generation Run the Family Business?
22:20 – Are We Thinking Far Enough Ahead?
23:39 – AI, Jobs and the Future of Taxation
24:45 – Could We End Up Taxing Robots?
27:34 – Why Business and Government Need to Work Together
30:07 – Can Business Really Influence Policy?
32:38 – Why Britain Needs Long-Term Thinking
34:11 – Steve Rigby's Three Priorities for Britain
35:03 – Can Private Capital Help Britain Win the AI Race?
35:56 – Why Compute Could Decide Britain's Future
37:17 – Preparing Workers for the Future
39:56 – Would Steve Rigby Go Into Government?
42:18 – What Steve Rigby Has Changed His Mind About
43:23 – The Business Leader Steve Most Admires
44:17 – Loyalty vs Talent in Family Business
44:56 – The Technologies Steve Is Betting On
46:48 – Why You Should Live in "The Deep End"
47:59 – How Steve Learns About the Future
50:24 – Can Britain Remain Globally Relevant?
51:47 – Steve Rigby's Memo to the Future
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