SCC's Sir Peter Rigby first British-born businessman to be awarded France's Legion d'honneur

The French government says the award is in recognition of the SCC founder's 'services to the French economy'

SCC founder Sir Peter Rigby has received the accolade of being the first British-born businessman to receive France's highest civilian honour - the Legion d'honneur.

The French government said the distinction was to recognise Sir Peter's services to the French economy.

He founded the managed services giant in 1975, though today the Rigby Group's assets encompass not only technology but aviation, airports, hotels, real estate and finance.

Last year, Sir Peter handed over the chief role to sons James and Steven, staying on in the capacity of chairman of the Rigby Group.

Its total revenues for FY2020 were $2.86bn (€3.32bn).

Operations in France

In France, the company's business has grown to a headcount of around 3,300 staff, inlcluding via aquisition.

French Ambassador to the UK Catherine Colonna said Sir Peter Rigby had made a positive contribution to Franco-British relationship.

"In bestowing this decoration, France recognises your important contribution to the French economy and your effort to reinforce business relations between our two countries."

"I have always passionately believed in the importance of building positive relationships with neighbours and colleagues beyond the UK's borders and am both grateful and deeply honoured by my appointment to the Legion d'honneur," Sir Peter said.

The honour is in additon to the knighthood he received from the Queen in 2002 for services to technology and business in the UK.