from the Regional Airports Ltd website:
The business and assets of London Southend Airport were acquired in April 1994 and those of London Biggin Hill in May 1994. Both airports were in a rundown and loss making condition.
In 2008, and after successful and extensive re-development of London Southend Airport, with planning consent for a new railway station and CAA agreement in principle for a runway extension, the business and assets were sold to Stobart Group Limited.
https://www.regionalairportslimited.com/