How Many Billionaires Are in the UK?

The UK is home to 146 billionaires as of 2024, ranking it fourth in the world behind China, the United States, and India. Collectively, these billionaires have amassed a staggering total wealth of approximately £660 billion. These individuals have a major impact in the UK, for better or worse. Some billionaires are self made, others have been handed a great deal of their wealth. Let's find out who they are and how they shape our society.

Who Are the UK's Top Billionaires?

The UK's billionaires come from various industries, including finance, chemicals, real estate, and tech. Here are the current top billionaires in the UK:

Gopi Hinduja

1. Gopi Hinduja

Net worth: £37.2 billion

Gopi Hinduja and his family control the Hinduja Group, a Mumbai-based conglomerate with interests in sectors like banking, finance, media, and energy. Founded by Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja in 1919, the group has grown into a multi-billion-dollar empire under the leadership of his sons. Gopi Hinduja, along with his brothers, has diversified the group's holdings and expanded its global footprint, particularly in the UK, where they have acquired significant real estate and investment interests.

David and Simon Reuben

2. David and Simon Reuben

Net worth: £25.0 billion

David and Simon Reuben, born in Mumbai and raised in the UK, initially built their fortune in the metal trade before pivoting to real estate in the 1990s. Today, their property empire includes prime locations in London and other major cities, alongside investments in data centers and digital technology. The Reuben brothers also have a passion for horse racing, owning several successful thoroughbreds.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

3. Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Net worth: £23.5 billion

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the founder and chairman of Ineos, one of the largest global chemicals company. Ineos operates in 26 countries with over 180 sites, generating billions in revenue annually. Ratcliffe's strategic vision and hands-on approach have driven Ineos to innovate and expand, including major acquisitions like BP's Innovene business in 2005, which doubled the company's size. Originally from Lancashire, Ratcliffe earned his chemical engineering degree from the University of Birmingham and later an MBA from London Business School. In 2024, Ratcliffe shook up the sports world by acquiring a 27.7% stake in Manchester United, valued at £1.25 billion.

Sir James Dyson

4. Sir James Dyson

Net worth: £20.8 billion

Sir James Dyson is celebrated for transforming household technology through his namesake brand, best known for the groundbreaking dual cyclone vacuum cleaner. His journey began with years of perfecting prototypes before launching in 1991. Over the years, Dyson has expanded his company's repertoire to include fans, heaters, hair dryers, and air purifiers, all boasting cutting-edge technology and sleek design.

Beyond his gadgets, James Dyson has a passion for restoring historic buildings, like Dodington Park, a Georgian estate in Gloucestershire. In 2017, he founded the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology, offering academic courses and hands-on experience for the next generation of engineers.

Michael Platt

5. Michael Platt

Net worth: £11.5 billion

Michael Platt is a leading figure in hedge fund management. He co-founded BlueCrest Capital Management, using his experience as a former bond trader at JP Morgan. Platt is renowned for his aggressive trading style, often focusing on macroeconomic trends and complex derivatives. In 2015, he made a bold move by converting BlueCrest from a public hedge fund into a private investment firm, allowing him greater flexibility and control. This shift significantly boosted BlueCrest's performance, with the firm's internal fund reportedly achieving annualized returns of 50% since the transition.

Beyond his trading prowess, Platt is known for his luxurious lifestyle, including owning multiple properties worldwide and a significant art collection. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, donating to various educational and healthcare initiatives

Top Women Billionaires in the UK

Women are also making significant strides among the UK's wealthiest, with women in gambling, real-estate, tech and education pushing the envelope every day. Denise Coates, co-founder and CEO of Bet365, stands out with a net worth of £8.8 billion from her online gambling venture. Other prominent female billionaires include Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, with a substantial stake in Heineken, and Marit Rausing, who inherited a fortune from the Tetra Laval packaging group. Learn more about the UK's top 3 billionaire women and their inspiring stories here!

Conclusion

The UK's billionaire landscape is rich and varied, with fortunes made in many different industries. From finance moguls like Michael Platt to technology innovators like James Dyson, these individuals play a significant role in the UK’s economic fabric. As they continue to influence their respective fields, they also contribute to the broader economic landscape of the UK.

References

The Sunday Times Rich List 2024. (2024, July 15). Thetimes.com; The Times. https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list
Forbes. (2024). Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/
Chappatta, B., Maloney, T., Witzig, J., Pei Yi Mak, & Heathcote, A. (2017, March). The Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bloomberg.com; Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/

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Who Are UKs Top Billionaires?