Preston-born hedge fund billionaire Michael Platt has once again been recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2024.
While little is known about the private life of the 56-year-old Platt, his financial prowess is undeniable.
As the owner of BlueCrest Capital Management, he boasts a staggering net worth of £12 billion, securing his position at 12th place overall on this year’s list.
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In the North West rankings, Platt came in second, trailing behind Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe, a petrochemical tycoon, is worth £23.5 billion, making him the fourth wealthiest person in the UK.
Other notable billionaires from Lancashire include Hugh Grosvenor, the 33-year-old Duke of Westminster. Grosvenor, who inherited his title after his father’s death in 2016, has strong ties to the region through his ownership of the Abbeystead Estate.
This expansive sporting and rural estate covers much of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which begins just north of Preston in the Ribble Valley. Grosvenor’s fortune is estimated at £10.1 billion, placing him third in the North West and 14th overall on the Rich List.
Fifth in the regional rankings and 39th overall are Blackburn brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa. The duo, who own Asda and the EG Group petrol station empire with locations across Lancashire and beyond, have seen their wealth dip by approximately £50 million this year, bringing their total to £5 billion.
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