The United Kingdom is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. But have you ever wondered who the richest people in the UK are and how they gathered their wealth? From tech tycoons to real estate moguls, the UK’s richest have made their fortunes in various industries. In this blog, you will learn about these billionaires, reveal the secrets behind their massive fortunes, and understand their incredible journeys to the top.
Here is the list of the richest people in the UK
| Rank | Name | 2024 Wealth | Source of wealth |
| 1 | Gopi Hinduja and family | £37.2 billion | Investors |
| 2 | Sir Leonard Blavatnik | £29.25 billion | Investor |
| 3 | David and Simon Reuben and family | £24.98 billion | Landlords |
| 4 | Sir Jim Ratcliffe | £23.52 billion | Chemicals magnate |
| 5 | Sir James Dyson and family | £20.8 billion | Inventor |
| 6 | Idan Ofer | £14.96 billion | Shipping tycoon |
| 7 | Lakshmi Mittal and family | £14.92 billion | Steel magnate |
| 8 | Guy, George, Alannah, and Galen Weston and family | £14.49 billion | Heirs and retailers |
| 9 | John Fredriksen and family | £12.87 billion | Oil baron |
| 10 | Kirsten and Jorn Rausing | £12.63 billion | Heirs |
1. Gopi Hinduja and his family
- Net Worth: £37.2 billion
Gopi Hinduja and his family are the ambitious strength behind the “Hinduja Group”, a massive Indian business empire. The Hinduja Group operates across various business sectors, including banking and finance, media and entertainment, and energy. Therefore, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
However, their influence extends globally, with approximately 200,000 staff members working for their various ventures around the world. But, how did they gather such wealth? Well, the Hinduja Group’s success story began in Mumbai, India. And, their business understanding and strategic investments have moved them to the peak of wealth.
2. Sir Leonard Blavatnik
- Net Worth: £29.25 billion
Sir Leonard Blavatnik is a Ukrainian-born business tycoon and philanthropist. However, he built up his fortune primarily in Russia. Indeed, his wealth flooded significantly making him one of the richest people in the UK. Sir Leonard Blavatnik owns Warner Music, a major player in the global music industry.
Importantly, he took Warner Music public in June 2020 after acquiring it in 2011. His involvement in media and entertainment contributes significantly to his wealth. Beyond business, Sir Leonard is also known for his ‘philanthropic efforts’. Also, he supports various causes and initiatives, making a positive impact beyond his financial success.
3. David and Simon Reuben and family
- Net Worth: £24.98 billion
David and Simon Reuben, of Iraqi Jewish heritage, rose to massive wealth in the UK. Born in Bombay, they moved to London in the 1950s. David entered the scrap metals industry, while Simon pursued carpets. Certainly, their fortune grew through metals and property trading during the 1970s and 1980s.
Notably, they invested heavily in the Russian metals market, reaching a staggering US$1.5 billion which is, about £870 million in 1995. And, by 2000, they shifted focus to the UK property market, engaging in real estate, venture capital, and private equity. Consequently, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
4. Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- Net Worth: £23.52 billion
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the founder and chairman of ‘Ineos’, a global chemicals company established in 1998. Interestingly, he has made significant contributions to the business world, which makes him one of the richest people in the UK. Indeed, Ineos is a major player in the chemical industry, with operations spanning various sectors. The company produces a wide range of chemicals, including plastics, petrochemicals, and specialty products.
Furthermore, Ineos has a global presence and employs thousands of people worldwide. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also a part-owner of Manchester United, the famous football club. Also, he acquired a minority stake in the club in February of the same year. His journey from founding Ineos to becoming a major shareholder in Manchester United mirrors his entrepreneurial spirit and business sense.
5. Sir James Dyson and Family
- Net Worth: £20.8 billion
Sir James Dyson is an English inventor and entrepreneur. He is well-known for founding the technology firm Dyson. Sir James Dyson and his family are positioned among the richest people in the UK. Sir James Dyson revolutionized home cleaning with the invention of the Cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner in the 1970s. Furthermore, his company, Dyson Ltd., has expanded beyond vacuums to create innovative products in various fields. Dyson also ventured into the beauty industry, with a popular line of hair tools.
Moreover, Dyson’s company has achieved global success due to its cutting-edge technology and commitment to quality. Nevertheless, Dyson products are used by millions worldwide, from vacuum cleaners to bladeless fans. His determined purpose of innovation and problem-solving has paid off handsomely. Importantly, Dyson’s focus on engineering excellence has set him apart. Sir James Dyson’s journey inspires aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs. His story displays the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and creativity. Hence, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
6. Idan Ofer
- Net Worth: £14.96 billion
Idan Ofer is an Israeli billionaire businessman. He is one of two sons of shipping magnate ‘Sammy Ofer’, who was once Israel’s richest man. His father passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of success and wealth. Additionally, Idan Ofer has significant interests in the shipping industry. His family’s shipping empire has played a crucial role in global maritime trade. Ofer also has investments in the energy sector. Furthermore, his involvement spans various aspects of energy production and distribution. Consequently, this makes Idan one of the richest people in the UK.
Interestingly, he holds a minority stake in the Spanish football club ‘Atletico de Madrid’. Sports investments can be both lucrative and personally fulfilling. Besides, Ofer’s wealth and business ventures contribute significantly to the UK’s economy and global commerce. Idan Ofer’s journey from the shipping industry to energy and sports investments has propelled him to remarkable financial heights.
7. Lakshmi Mittal and his family
- Net Worth: £14.92 billion
Lakshmi Mittal is an Indian-born businessman and the chairman of ‘ArcelorMittal’, a multinational steel company headquartered in Luxembourg. Certainly, ArcelorMittal is the largest steel manufacturer in Europe, North America, and South America. The company operates globally and plays a significant role in the steel industry. The Mittal family’s fortune mainly arises from their ownership and leadership of ‘ArcelorMittal’. Accordingly, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
Lakshmi Mittal owns ‘mansions’ on Kensington Palace Gardens, one of the most expensive streets globally. However, he is also a ‘co-owner’ of the Queen’s Park Rangers football club. ArcelorMittal produces steel for various applications, including construction, automotive, and infrastructure. And, the company’s operations span multiple continents, and it employs approximately 200,000 staff worldwide. Their steel plants are essential for building bridges, skyscrapers, and everyday products. This helped in positioning them among the richest people in the UK
8. Guy, George, Alannah, and Galen Weston and family
- Net Worth: £14.49 billion
The Weston family, consisting of Guy, George, Alannah, and Galen Weston, is among the richest people in the UK. They have developed most of their wealth through investments in retail. Importantly, the Weston family has a significant stake in ‘Associated British Foods (ABF).’ Thus, ABF is an empire that owns well-known brands like ‘Primark’, a popular clothing retailer, and is involved in sugar production.
Interestingly, the family’s involvement in ABF is supervised by the son George Weston. The Westons’s clever investments and strategic business decisions have moved their wealth. Certainly, their consistent success in retail has allowed them to maintain their position over the years. Therefore, their story exemplifies how strategic business decisions can lead to substantial wealth growth.
9. John Fredriksen and his family
- Net Worth: £12.87 billion
John Fredriksen is a Norway-born shipping tycoon. The family’s wealth is collectively attributed to John Fredriksen and his family. Undoubtedly, John Fredriksen’s journey began with oil tankers and expanded into investments in fish farming, dry bulkers, and deepwater drilling rigs. Fredriksen’s wealth originates from his shipping ventures. Beyond shipping, he has investments in other sectors. In addition, his ownership of oil tankers has been a significant source of wealth, placing them among the richest people in the UK.
Besides, investments in fish farming contribute to their fortune. Also talking about his dry bulk carriers, these ships transport items like coal, iron ore, and grain. Fredriksen’s involvement in the deepwater drilling rigs sector adds to their wealth. Plus, Fredriksen owns residences in London, Oslo, Cyprus, and Marbella, Spain. Furthermore, his business interests span across various countries. Therefore, John Fredriksen and his family have gathered noteworthy wealth through shipping, investments, and strategic ventures. Thus, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
10. Kirsten and Jorn Rausing
- Net Worth: £12.63 billion
Kirsten Rausing and her brother Jorn Rausing are part of the wealthy Rausing family. They each own a third of ‘Tetra Laval’, a packaging company founded by their grandfather. Tetra Laval is a global packaging and food processing company. Surely, Tetra Laval revolutionized the way we store drinks like milk and orange juice by introducing cartons.
Without a doubt, Kirsten also benefited from inheritance which contributed, to her wealth. It specializes in, creating innovative packaging solutions for liquids, including the iconic Tetra Pak cartons. However, these cartons are widely used for packaging dairy products, juices, and other beverages. The company’s success has significantly contributed to the Rausing family’s immense wealth. Therefore, this makes them count, on the list of the richest people in the UK.
End Note
As we conclude we realize that the stories of the richest people in the UK are nothing short of inspiring. From innovative entrepreneurs to smart investors, their journeys are proof of ambition and hard work. Whether you are inspired to start your own business or simply curious about the lives of billionaires, there’s always something to learn.
