Vicki O’Kelly has been appointed Director of the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise, the University of Liverpool’s enterprise hub, as it prepares to enter its second year of operation.
Vicki is an alum of the University, having gained her undergraduate degree in 1997 in Geophysics and Environmental Science, before working in several senior roles, including founding her own consultancy business. For the past seven years, she has worked in the Research, Partnerships and Innovation team at the University and most recently served as Head of Partnership Development, leading the development and management of high-value strategic research partnerships with private and public sector organisations.
About her new appointment, Vicki said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Director of the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise. As a small business owner, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate uncertainty and build something from the ground up and I’m passionate about ensuring the Centre is a place where students, staff, and graduates feel supported, empowered, and equipped with the tools and mindset they need to realise the potential of their ambitions.”
The Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise
Since opening in October 2024, the Centre has been working towards its goals of transforming student employability, raising the level of enterprise education, and entrepreneurial skills development across the University community and Liverpool City Region, with the aim of reaching 50,000 people during its three-year pilot.
Over the past year, the Centre has welcomed University students and staff through the doors, offering a variety of opportunities, including the chance to receive 121 mentoring from entrepreneurs-in-residence. It has also expanded its reach into the local community through the launch of its Enterprise Education in Secondary Schools Programme, bringing experts from the Centre to schools. In addition, the Centre has become a hub for city events with local business support initiatives, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and employer engagement activities.
Vision for the Centre
As Director of the Centre, Vicki commented on her vision for its future: “My vision for the Centre is to inspire the enterprising futures of our students, staff, and graduates through creating a seamless ecosystem of support. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business - it’s about developing an entrepreneurial mindset, embracing problem solving, building resilience, and making bold decisions. The Centre will provide the right environment, support, and infrastructure to enable our entrepreneurs of the future to thrive.”
The Centre was made possible thanks to a generous donation from entrepreneur and supporter Sir Peter Rigby and The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust.
As founder and Chairman of the Rigby Group, Sir Peter has created and grown an international business with operations across the technology, aviation, hotel, real estate, and finance sectors.
Commenting on the new Director appointment, Sir Peter said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Vicki O’Kelly as the new Director of the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise. Vicki brings a wealth of experience and energy that will undoubtedly strengthen our existing team, and her appointment marks an exciting chapter for the Centre. I am confident that her vision and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our community and help drive our mission forward. We are delighted to have her onboard.”
In November, the Centre will celebrate its one-year anniversary alongside 50 years of The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust.
Visit the Sir Peter Rigby Centre for Enterprise website to find out more about its impact and ways to get involved.