This week’s key industry figure is Marc Newton, the managing director of London gunmaker John Rigby & Co, which has a history stretching back to the 18th century.

Since his appointment in 2013, Marc has guided Rigby’s evolution into a firm fit for the 21st century while keeping its history alive. As well as overseeing the production of finely crafted, fit-for-purpose firearms, Marc always has an eye to shoring up the future of the gun trade as a whole, supporting young gunmaking talent through apprenticeships and by creating a well-balanced team where the enthusiasm of youth is guided by the wisdom of experience.

When lockdown was declared in spring 2020, Marc and the Rigby gunmakers elected to isolate together at the factory to continue production.

This inspired a special edition of Rigby’s best-selling Big Game rifle, dubbed the “Keep Calm and Carry On”. Only 10 were made and rifle 1-of-10 will be raffled at The Game Fair this year, with the proceeds going to the National Health Service.

Marc said: “The Game Fair is always a highlight for us. Nothing beats seeing clients and Rigby enthusiasts in person and allowing them to see what we’re working on for themselves. This year that face-to-face contact is more important than ever. We can’t wait to welcome people back and celebrate everything that British gunmaking and Rigby has to offer.”

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