RESULTS FOR 2008
Ranking: 20
Worth: £2,700m
Source of wealth: Transport, internet and mobile phones

Northern Rock’s nationalisation in February was a big blow to the 57-year-old Virgin boss. He had invested much energy in trying to persuade the government, the financial world and the public that Virgin’s takeover bid would be the best way forward for “Northern Wreck”. Branson is still an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs, beating Jesus in a recent survey of top role models for children. But a change of strategy may see Virgin become more like a private equity operation, with businesses sold off or floated on the stock exchange. It would be a difficult transition for Branson, who began empire-building in 1969 when he launched the Virgin mail-order records business. Since then he has added trains, aircraft, mobile phones, internet, music, wine sales and holidays, to name but a few. While Branson is a tireless plugger, his children are bagging much of the media attention these days. Daughter Holly, 26, is earning a crust as a junior doctor in a London hospital but still finds time to party with Prince William and Prince Harry. Son Sam, 22, a model, shares the young royals’ love of adventure. He is currently on his second Arctic expedition to highlight climate change and has been in training to accompany his father on the first flight of the “spaceline” Virgin Galactic. A strong team of veteran business executives, former bankers and management consultants now runs the various Virgin businesses for Branson. In all there are more than 200 companies controlled by him or where he has a significant stake, with combined revenues of more than £10 billion in 2007. Last July, with the credit crunch imminent, the Financial Times analysed the Virgin operation and concluded that it was worth about £2.5 billion. Since then economic conditions have become grimmer and Branson’s stake in Virgin Media has suffered particularly, falling to about £240m. We reckon the total Virgin business empire is worth at least £2.3 billion on its current performance, to which we add £300m for cash in the bank from disposals and windfalls and £100m for personal assets, homes and islands.

RESULTS FOR 2007
Ranking: 11
Worth: £3,100m
Source of wealth: Transport, internet and mobile phones