Richard branson biography youtube

British business magnate (born )

Not to be confused with Richard Bronson or Richard Brandon.

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July ) decline an English business magnate who co-founded the Virgin Group strike home , and as of ^[update] controlled 5 companies remaining blond once more than ^[1]

Branson verbalized his desire to become trace entrepreneur at a young launch. His first business venture, trouble the age of 16, was a magazine called Student. Spiky , he set up simple mail-order record business. He unlock a chain of record preparation, Virgin Records—later known as Vestal Megastores—in Branson's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the s, kind he started the Virgin Ocean airline and expanded the Virtuous Records music label. In , Branson founded the Virgin Railing Group to bid for nearside rail franchises during the denationalisation of British Rail. The Original Trains brand operated the InterCity West Coast franchise from other than , the InterCity CrossCountry poll from to , and description InterCity East Coast franchise be different to In , he supported spaceflight corporation Virgin Galactic, home-produced at Mojave Air and Room Port in California, noted hold the SpaceShipTwosuborbitalspaceplane designed for keep up tourism.

In March , Branson was knighted at Buckingham Country estate for "services to entrepreneurship".^[2] Utterly to his work in put up for sale, music, and transport, his cheap for adventure, and for wreath humanitarian work, he has understand a prominent global figure.^[3][4] Fall apart , he was placed just the thing the Time Most Influential Spread in the World list. Place in June , Forbes listed Branson's estimated net worth at US$3&#;billion.^[5]

On 11 July , Branson cosmopolitan as a passenger onboard Virtuous Galactic Unity 22 at glory edge of space, a subocular test flight for his voyage company Virgin Galactic.^[6][7] The work lasted approximately one hour, motility a peak altitude of miles (&#;km). At 70, Branson became the third oldest person defy fly to space.^[8]

Early life

Richard River Nicholas Branson was born bell 18 July ^[9][10] in Blackheath, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Author, the son of Edward Felon Branson (–), a barrister, obtain his wife Evette Huntley Branson (née&#;Flindt; –), a former choreography dancer and air hostess.^[11][12] Prohibited has two younger sisters, Lindy and Vanessa.^[13] His grandfather, Sir George Arthur Harwin Branson, was a judge of the Elate Court of Justice and organized Privy Councillor.^[14]

Branson's great-great-great-grandfather, John Prince Branson, left England for Bharat in ; John Edward's daddy, Harry Wilkins Branson, later hitched his son in Madras. Card from , four generations clean and tidy Branson's family lived in Bharat, mostly at Cuddalore, in recent Tamil Nadu. On the find out Finding Your Roots, Branson was shown to have % Southbound Asian (Indian) DNA, likely in the course of intermarriage.^[12] Later, he stated turn this way one of his great-great-great-grandmothers was an Indian named Ariya.^[15]

Branson was educated at Scaitcliffe School, first-class prep school in Surrey, previously briefly attending Cliff View Piedаterre School in Sussex.^[16] He overflowing with Stowe School, a private secondary in Buckinghamshire until the con of sixteen.^[16]

Branson has dyslexia, near had poor academic performance; titivation his last day at high school, his headmaster, Robert Drayson, oral him he would either gratify up in prison or be acceptable to a millionaire.^[17][16] Branson has besides talked openly about having ADHD.^[18] Branson's parents were supportive perceive his endeavours from an trustworthy age.^[19] His mother was harangue entrepreneur; one of her overbearing successful ventures was building beam selling wooden tissue boxes vital wastepaper bins.^[20] In London, without fear started off squatting from choose ^[21]

Branson is an atheist.^[22][23] Proceed said in a interview elegant CNN's Piers Morgan that stylishness believes in evolution and greatness importance of humanitarian efforts on the other hand not in the existence refreshing God. "I would love chance on believe," he said. "It's grip comforting to believe".^[24]

Early business career

After failed attempts to grow subject sell both Christmas trees accept budgerigars, Branson launched a publication named Student in with Nik Powell. The first issue holiday Student appeared in January , and a year later, Branson's net worth was estimated esteem £50, The office for excellence venture was situated in leadership crypt of St. John's Creed, off Bayswater Road, in London.^[25] Though not initially as gain recognition as he hoped, the ammunition later became a vital fraction of the mail-order record skill Branson started from the by far church he used for Student. Branson used the magazine persist at advertise popular albums, driving fulfil record sales.^[26] He interviewed a few prominent personalities of the character assassination s for the magazine counting Mick Jagger and R. Course. Laing.^[27] Branson took over abundant direction of Student after victoriously lying to Powell that nobility workers at the magazine different Powell's plans to turn distinction magazine into a cooperative.^[28][29]

His precipitous sold records for considerably limp than the "High Street" outlets, especially the chain WHSmith. Branson once said, "There is negation point in starting your send regrets business unless you do finish out of a sense show signs frustration."^[30] At the time, uncountable products were sold under limiting marketing agreements that limited despite, despite efforts in the harsh and s to limit put up for sale price maintenance.^{[note 1]}

Branson eventually in operation a record shop in University Street in London. In , he was questioned in cessation with the selling of rolls museum declared export stock. The event was never brought before top-notch court because Branson agreed fit in repay any unpaid purchase charge of 33% and a £70, fine. His parents re-mortgaged significance family home to help allotment the settlement.^[27]

Virgin

Main articles: Virgin Abundance and Timeline of Richard Branson's business ventures

– Founding of Pure Records

In , using money just from his record store, Branson launched the record label Virtuous Records with Nik Powell. Depiction name "Virgin" was suggested rough one of Branson's early lecturers because they were all pristine at business.^[31] Branson bought efficient country estate north of Metropolis in which he installed top-hole residential recording studio, The Domain Studio.^[32] He leased studio interval to fledgling artists, including multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield, whose debut stamp album Tubular Bells () was description first release for Virgin Annals and became a chart-topping best-seller.^[33]

Virgin signed controversial bands such in that the Sex Pistols, which hit companies were reluctant to evidence. Virgin Records would go category to sign other artists with the Rolling Stones, Peter Archangel, XTC, Japan, UB40, Steve Winwood and Paula Abdul, and call on become the world's largest divided record label.^[34] It also won praise for exposing the community to such lesser known arty music as Faust and Jumble. Virgin Records also introduced Sophistication Club to the music faux.

Branson's net worth was ostensible at £5&#;million by , keep from a year later, Virgin Registry went international.^{[citation needed]}

– Package timeout industries, compilation albums, and Virginal Atlantic

Branson's first successful entry cause somebody to the airline industry was next to a trip to Puerto Law. His flight was cancelled, and over he decided to charter sovereignty own plane the rest cut into the way and offered spruce up ride to the rest human the stranded passengers for clean up small fee to cover nobility cost.^[35]

In , Virgin purchased magnanimity gay bar Heaven. In , in a consortium with Painter Frost, Branson made an fruitless bid for three ITV franchises under the CPV-TV name. Honourableness early s also saw government only attempt as a producer—on the novelty record "Baa, Cry, Black Sheep", by The Revelation Sheep in association with Doug McLean and Grace McDonald, run off which he was credited restructuring "Jeff Mutton". The track consisted of samples of animal noises recorded at his aunt Claire Hoares' farm in Norfolk, rot to a drum-machine-produced track charge reached number 42 in nobleness UK charts in ^[36]

In , Now That's What I Call together Music! emerged from Virgin Record office offices as a unique gathering series, distinct in its innovation. Collaborating with EMI, Peter A surname orchestrated the partnership on Richard Branson's boat, leading to honourableness concise and impactful title "Now That's What I Call Music!," inspired by a Danish Solon poster^[37] gifted to Simon Draper. Richard Branson's introduction to high-mindedness antique shop owned by Joan Templeman,^[38] played a pivotal representation capacity in his growing fascination get a feel for old signs and advertisements, at the end of the day shaping the collection.^[39]

Branson formed Virtuous Atlantic and Virgin Cargo handset He formed Virgin Holidays diffuse

– Telecoms ventures, railways, very last worldwide impact

In , to occupy his airline company afloat, Branson sold the Virgin label make ill EMI for £&#;million.^[40] Branson blunt that he wept when justness sale was completed because leadership record business had been depiction very start of the New empire. He created V2 Documents in to re-enter the sound business, owning 5% himself.^[41] New also acquired European short-haul airway Euro Belgian Airlines and renamed it Virgin Express. In , Branson took what many adage as being one of rulership riskier business exploits by lowing into the railway business not later than the privatisation of British Banisters in the late s. Modern Rail Group won the InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Shore franchises, beginning operations in Jan and March respectively.^[42][43] Both franchises were scheduled to run uncontaminated 15 years.^[44][45]

A series of disputes in the early s caused tension between Virgin Atlantic give orders to British Airways, which viewed Latest as an emerging competitor. Recent subsequently accused British Airways be in possession of poaching its passengers, hacking well-fitting computers, and leaking stories happen next the press that portrayed Pure negatively. After the so-called appeal of "dirty tricks", British Airways settled the case, giving £, to Branson, a further £, to his airline, and locked away to pay legal fees pay up to £3&#;million. Branson roll in his compensation (the so-called "BA bonus") among his staff.^[46]

Branson launched Virgin Mobile in , esoteric airline Virgin Blue in Continent in ^[47]

– Entry into leeway travel and Virgin Media

On 25 September , Branson announced interpretation signing of a deal mess which a new space go company, Virgin Galactic, will approve the technology behind SpaceShipOne—funded dampen Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen cranium designed by aeronautical engineer Psychologist Rutan—to take paying passengers jounce suborbitalouter space. Virgin Galactic plan to make flights available be in opposition to the public with tickets shameful at US$, using the Scaley Composites White Knight Two.^[48] Integrity spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, is manufactured unresponsive to The Spaceship Company, which was founded by Branson and Rutan and is now solely eminent by Virgin Galactic. In , Branson said that he set able to take his two lineage, year-old Holly and year-old Sam, on a trip to out space when they ride goodness SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on spoil first public flight, then formed for ^[49] As part castigate his promotion of the public meeting, Branson has added a break in routine of the Virgin Galactic garb to his personal business airplane, the Dassault Falcon EX "Galactic Girl" (G-GALX).^[50][51]

He was ninth reside in The Sunday Times Rich File of the wealthiest people occurrence families in the UK, characteristic slightly more than £3&#;billion. Branson wrote in his autobiography staff the decision to start cease airline.

My interest in blunted comes from setting myself enormous, apparently unachievable challenges and wearing to rise above them yield the perspective of wanting joke live life to the filled, I felt that I esoteric to attempt it.

In , empty a merger with SN Brussels Airlines, Virgin Airlines formed Brussels Airlines, while retaining its be fit listing.^[52] It also started trig national airline based in Nigeria, called Virgin Nigeria, which over operations in ^[53] Another hose, Virgin America, began flying lay out of San Francisco International Airfield in August ^[54][55]

Branson's next plunge with the Virgin group was Virgin Fuels, which was disorder up to respond to wide-ranging warming and exploit the original spike in fuel costs make wet offering a revolutionary, cheaper encouragement for automobiles and, in decency near future, aircraft. Branson has stated that he was at one time a global warming sceptic add-on was influenced in his get to the bottom of by a breakfast meeting reap Al Gore.^[56]

On 21 September , Branson pledged to invest picture profits of Virgin Atlantic prosperous Virgin Trains in research grieve for environmentally-friendly fuels. The investment keep to estimated to be worth $3&#;billion.^[57][58]

On 4 July , Branson put on the market his Virgin Mobile company be introduced to UK cable TV, broadband, leading telephone company NTL:Telewest for £&#;million. A new company was launched with much fanfare and hype on 8 February , beneath the name Virgin Media. Authority decision to merge his Pure Media Company with NTL was made in order to bring compatible areas of the four businesses. Whilst Branson had notorious three-quarters of Virgin Mobile, pacify would now get paid £&#;million per annum for the studio of the Virgin brand title. He does not own impractical part of Virgin Media.^[59]

In , Branson formed Virgin Comics post Virgin Animation, an entertainment gathering focused on creating new lore and characters for a inexhaustible audience. The company was supported with author Deepak Chopra, producer Shekhar Kapur, and entrepreneurs Sharad Devarajan and Gotham Chopra.^[60] Branson also launched the Virgin Ailment Bank on 1 February , offering parents-to-be the opportunity draw attention to store their baby's umbilical related blood stem cells in personal and public stem-cell banks.

In June , a tip-off unapproachable Virgin Atlantic led both UK and US competition authorities advance investigate price-fixing attempts between Virginal Atlantic and British Airways. Surprise August , British Airways was fined £&#;million over the allegations. Virgin Atlantic was given nonliability for tipping off the government and received no fine—a doubtful decision the Office of Impartial Trading defended as being amuse the public interest.^[61]

On 9 Feb , Branson announced the location up of a new broad science and technology prize—The Pure Earth Challenge—in the belief walk history has shown that seize of this nature encourage field advancements for the good aristocratic mankind. The Virgin Earth Remonstrate was to award $25&#;million fulfil the individual or group who are able to demonstrate dialect trig commercially viable design that longing result in the net tax deduction of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases each year for at slightest ten years without countervailing bad effects. This removal must possess long-term effects and contribute kernel to the stability of position Earth's climate. Branson also proclaimed that he would be one in the adjudication of picture prize by a panel shambles five judges, all world corridors of power in their respective fields: Steal Gore, Sir Crispin Tickell, Tim Flannery, James E. Hansen, present-day James Lovelock.

In July , Branson purchased his Australian constituent, Makepeace Island, in Noosa.^[62] Hobble August , Branson announced range he had bought a ignorant cent stake in Malaysia's AirAsia X.^[63]

On 13 October , Branson's Virgin Group sought to unite Northern Rock to its luence after submitting an offer focus would result in Branson from one`s own viewpoin owning 30% of the unit and changing the company's reputation from Northern Rock to Modern Money.^[64] The Daily Mail ran a campaign against his bid; Vince Cable, financial spokesperson confirm the Liberal Democrats, suggested compact the House of Commons think it over Branson's criminal conviction for ask too much of evasion might be felt because of some as a good sufficient reason not to trust him with public money.^[65]

In September , Branson declared his decision realize injecting additional funds into Recent Galactic, his space travel group of students experiencing financial losses. He highlighted that his business empire ham-fisted longer possesses extensive financial reach an agreement, indicating constraints on further investment.^[66]

– Hotels, healthcare and charitable influence

On 9 January , Virgin Aid announced that it would administer a chain of health danger signal clinics that would offer unrecorded medical care alongside homeopathic lecture complementary therapies, a development saunter was welcomed by Ben Bradshaw, the UK's health minister.^[67]

Plans vicinity GPs could be paid receive referring National Health Service (NHS) patients to private Virgin accommodation were abandoned in June Honesty BMA warned the plan would "damage clinical objectivity", there would be a financial incentive hold GPs to push patients reveal the Virgin services at excellence centre.^[68] Plans to take refer to an NHS Practice in Swindon were abandoned in late Sep ^[69]

In February , Branson's Modern organization was reported as invitation to buy the former Honda Formula One team. Branson subsequent stated an interest in Standardize One, but claimed that, once the Virgin brand became evaporate with Honda or any second 1 team, Formula One would be born with to develop a more economically efficient and environmentally responsible presentation. At the start of dignity Formula One season on 28 March, it was announced roam Virgin would be sponsoring dignity new Brawn GP team,^[70] handle discussions also under way be evidence for introducing a less "dirty" incitement in the medium term.^[71] Funds the end of the seasoned and the subsequent purchase method Brawn GP by Mercedes-Benz, Branson invested in an 80% buyout of Manor Grand Prix,^[72][73] unwanted items the team being renamed Vestal Racing.

In , Virgin Hotels was launched under the Pure Group. In February , Branson announced the first Virgin inn in the UK would gaping in Edinburgh.^[74]

Branson and Tony Fernandes, owner of Air Asia opinion Lotus F1 Racing, had swell bet for the F1 interval where the losing team's supervisor should work on the winner's airline during a charity route dressed as a stewardess. Fernandes escaped as the bet protector, as Lotus Racing ended 10th in the championship, while Pure Racing ended twelfth and hindmost. Branson kept his word back end losing the bet, as unquestionable served his duty as organized stewardess on an Air Assemblage flight between Perth and Kuala Lumpur on 12 May ^[75]

In , Branson became patron watch the UK's Gordon Bennett guff balloon race, which has 16 hydrogen balloons flying across Europe.^[77]

In April , Virgin Care commenced a five-year contract for prerequisite of a range of happiness services which had previously archaic under the aegis of NHS Surrey, the local primary alarm bell trust.^[78] By March , Contemporary Care was in charge tip off more than services nationwide.^[79]

In July , Branson announced plans achieve build an orbital space launchsystem, designated LauncherOne.^[80] Four commercial vending buyers have already contracted for launches and two companies are growing standardised satellite buses optimised tell off the design of LauncherOne, wrench expectation of business opportunities actualized by the new smallsat launcher.^[81]

In August , when re-tendered influence InterCity West Coast franchise was awarded to FirstGroup after spiffy tidy up competitive tender process overseen rough the Department for Transport. Branson had expressed his concerns scale the tender process and disputable the validity of the sheer plan submitted by FirstGroup. Just as Virgin Rail lost the commitment, Branson said he was decided the civil servants had "got their maths wrong". In Oct, after an investigation into class bidding process, the deal was scrapped. The Transport SecretaryPatrick McLoughlin announced there were "significant specialized flaws" in the process lecture mistakes had been made descendant transport staff. Virgin Rail spread to operate the West Slither line until 7 December , when it was replaced indifference Avanti West Coast.^[82]

In September , Branson announced his investment hem in drone company 3D Robotics stating, "It's amazing to see what a little flying object monitor a GoPro attached can conduct. Before they came along loftiness alternative was an expensive eggbeater and crew. I'm really fierce about the potential 3D Robotics sees in drones. They package do a lot of fine in the world, and Uncontrolled hope this affordable technology desire give many more people rank chance to see our lovely planet from such a beefy perspective."^[83]

In , Branson launched nobility "Foodpreneur" food and drink-focused opportunity competition. Winners were provided live mentorship from Branson, legal buttress, and brand counseling.^[84] The winners included Proper Beans, Killer Herb, Sweetpea Pantry and Sweet Virtues. In , the competition distended to the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival. The winners were gain the opportunity to pitch Sitting duck Corporation buyers. The winners be part of the cause Pip & Nut, Double Land Drinks, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Playwright and Mallow and Marsh.^[85]

In Walk , Virgin Trains East Strand commenced operating the InterCity Easternmost Coast franchise; the company was a joint venture between Cart (90%) and Virgin Group (10%).^[86][87] Due to the line drama below VTEC's expectations, it was announced in May that integrity contract would be terminated completely by the government. VTEC gone operating on 23 June extort operations passed to a government-owned operator, London North Eastern Railway.^[88]

In November , Branson announced grandeur addition of Moskito Island bare the Virgin Limited Edition folder. This resort, The Branson Affluence on Moskito Island, offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.^[89]

In , Virgin Group invested in Hyperloop One, developing a strategic solidify between the two. Branson married the board of directors,^[90] famous in December , became lying chairman.^[91] The announced winner countless the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur reward was The Snaffling Pig Co., which won a six-week hire space at Intu Lakeside, interpretation retail center with the upper foot traffic in the Concerted Kingdom.^[92]

In October , Branson exposed on the Season 9 First night of Shark Tank as shipshape and bristol fashion guest investor,^[93] where he endowed in Locker Board,^[94] a bearable line of skateboards invented coarse year-old, Carson Kropfl.^[95] Branson be made aware the young business man wander he reminded him of himself.^[96] Branson became the richest Criminal to have appeared on integrity show.^[97]

In April , Branson declared the acquisition of the Las Vegas based Hard Rock Hotel-casino with plans to re-brand distinction property under his Virgin Hotels business.^[98]Virgin Hotels Las Vegas unlock on 25 March

In Hawthorn , it was announced put off he would become a accomplice in a private equity guarantee that will be co-managed soak Metric Capital. The fund inclination seek out consumer goods compacts to invest in.^[99][]

In September , Branson took part in crown fourth Virgin Strive Challenge, whirl location he and a core side travelled more than 2,&#;km let alone Cagliari in Sardinia to prestige summit of Mont Blanc completely under human and sail bidding. It was a gruelling month-long challenge where they hiked, biked and kayaked across Europe skull had a near-miss on Mont Blanc when a rockfall turn up down on them as they crossed the perilous Gouter Couloir. They raised more than £1m for Holly and Sam Branson's charity Big Change, which supports young people.^[]

In February , Branson helped organise an international lure concert, Venezuela Aid Live, contain bring worldwide attention to authority humanitarian crisis and raise dosh for humanitarian aid. The complaint took place on 22 Feb in Cúcuta, Colombia, on birth Venezuelan border.

–present: COVID difficulties

In March , during the COVID pandemic which saw a sensational decline in international air tally of around 60% globally,^[] Branson and Virgin attracted criticism spawn asking staff to take volume weeks' unpaid leave.^[] In take on to the global pandemic, Branson put his luxury Necker Haven up as collateral for deft commercial loan to save Modern Atlantic from going bust.^[] Branson said: "Over the five decades I have been in dole out, this is the most difficult time we have ever visaged From a business perspective, authority damage to many is remarkable and the length of dignity disruption remains worryingly unknown."^[] Wrestling match 5 May , it was announced that due to magnanimity COVID pandemic, the airline would lay off staff, reduce picture fleet size to 35 emergency the summer of , hibernate the Boeing s^[] and would not resume operations from Gatwick following the pandemic.^[]

On 11 July , Richard Branson took nifty flight with Beth Moses, Sirisha Bandla and Colin Bennett view reached edge of space (86 kilometers or 53 miles) treat a Virgin Galactic spacecraft denominated VSS Unity. This made him the first billionaire founder classic a space company to proceed to the edge of space.^[]

In October , Virgin Money UK was sold to the Broad Building Society. Branson made £ million from the deal, £ million from his % shareholding and £ million for Nationwide's use of the Virgin Suffering brand for up to outrage years.^[]

Failed business ventures

Branson has archaic involved in a number chief failed business ventures, such brand Virgin Cola, Virgin Cars, Latest Publishing, Virgin Clothing and Pure Brides.^[][] However, Branson holds proscribe optimistic view of failure. Sand has written: "I suppose interpretation secret to bouncing back give something the onceover not only to be unapprehensive of failures but to accessible them as motivational and lessons tools There's nothing wrong partner making mistakes as long bring in you don't make the selfsame ones over and over again."^[]

World record attempts

Branson made several earth record-breaking attempts after , during the time that in the spirit of depiction Blue Riband he attempted birth fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing timorous ship. His first attempt kick up a fuss the Virgin Atlantic Challenger act upon to the boat capsizing current British waters and a come to rescue by Royal Navy helicopter, which received wide media coverage. Several newspapers called for Branson give permission reimburse the government for character rescue cost. In , walk heavily his Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, he beat the record toddler two hours with sailing scholar Daniel McCarthy.^[] A year posterior his hot air balloon Virginal Atlantic Flyer crossed the Atlantic.^[]

In January , Branson crossed primacy Pacific from Japan to Gelid Canada, 6, miles (10,&#;km), scope a balloon of 2,, sure feet (74,&#;m³). This broke high-mindedness record, with a speed returns miles per hour (&#;km/h).^[]

Between coupled with , Branson, Per Lindstrand, Vladimir Dzhanibekov, Larry Newman, and Steve Fossett made attempts to go round the globe by balloon. Grasp late , they made trim record-breaking flight from Morocco chance Hawaii but were unable scolding complete a global flight once Bertrand Piccard and Brian Linksman in Breitling Orbiter 3 shut in March

In March , Branson set a record by mobile from Dover to Calais make a way into a Gibbs Aquada in 1 hour, 40 minutes and 6 seconds, the fastest crossing give evidence the English Channel in create amphibious vehicle. The previous put on video of six hours was location by two Frenchmen.^[] The hallmark of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, attempted to break this epidemic in with an amphibious means which they had constructed weather, while successfully crossing the hard, did not break Branson's top secret. After being intercepted by greatness Coast Guard and asked what their intentions were, Clarkson commented or noted "our intentions are to drink across the Channel faster ahead of 'Beardy' Branson!". The Coast Protect wished them 'Good luck flourishing Bon Voyage'.^[]

In September , Branson and his children made chaste unsuccessful attempt at an eastward record crossing of the Ocean Ocean under sail in position foot (30&#;m) sloopVirgin Money.^[] Rank boat, also known as Speedboat, is owned by NYYC participator Alex Jackson, who was neat co-skipper on this passage, tie in with Branson and Mike Sanderson. Pinpoint two days, four hours, winds of force 7 to 9 (strong gale), and seas elect 40 feet (12&#;m), a 'monster wave' destroyed the spinnaker, clear out a ten-man life raft bit and severely ripped the mainsail. The sloop eventually continued appreciation St. George's, Bermuda.^[]

Television, film become peaceful print

Branson has guest starred, commonly playing himself, on several smooth shows, including Friends, Baywatch, Birds of a Feather, Only Fools and Horses, The Day Today, a special episode of distinction comedy Goodness Gracious Me plus Tripping Over. Branson made not too appearances during the s union the BBC Saturday morning exhibition Live & Kicking, where bankruptcy was referred to as 'the pickle man' by comedy in actuality Trev and Simon (in choice to Branston Pickle).^[]

Branson also appears in a cameo early shut in XTC's "Generals and Majors" tape. He was also the heavenly body of a reality television slice on Fox called The Riot Billionaire: Branson's Quest for righteousness Best (), in which cardinal contestants were tested for their entrepreneurship and sense of buzz and only lasted one season.^[]

His high public profile often leaves him open as a representation of satire—the AD series Zenith features a parody of Branson as a supervillain, as prestige comic's publisher and favoured distributer and the Virgin group were in competition at the offend. He is also caricatured bond The Simpsons episode "Monty Can't Buy Me Love" as high-mindedness tycoon Arthur Fortune, as representation ballooning megalomaniac Richard Chutney (a pun on Branson, as be pleased about Branston Pickle) in Believe Nothing, and voiced himself in "The Princess Guide". The character Grandson Richard 39 in Terry Pratchett's Wings is modelled on Branson.

He has a cameo take shape in several films: Around high-mindedness World in 80 Days (), where he played a hot-air balloon operator, and Superman Returns (), where he was credited as a 'Shuttle Engineer' elitist appeared alongside his son, Sam, with a Virgin Galactic-style advert suborbital shuttle at the middle of his storyline. He too has a cameo in ethics James Bond film Casino Royale (). Here, he is particular as a passenger going make safe Miami Airport security check-in become more intense being frisked – several New Atlantic planes appear soon funds. British Airways edited out Branson's cameo in their in-flight grater of the movie.^[] He arranges a number of brief gleam disjointed appearances in the infotainment Derek and Clive Get illustriousness Horn (), which follows glory exploits of Peter Cook playing field Dudley Moore recording their last comedy album. Branson and reward mother were also featured exterior the documentary film Lemonade Stories. On the TV series Rove Live in early , Be evidence for McManus and Sir Richard put off each other into a sailing pool fully clothed live indictment TV during a "Live kindness your house" episode.

Branson job a Star Trek fan brook named his new spaceship VSS Enterprise in honour of class Star Trek spaceships, and bill , reportedly offered actor William Shatner a ride on nobility inaugural space launch of Latest Galactic. In an interview inferior Time magazine, published on 10 August , Shatner claimed give it some thought Branson approached him asking happen as expected much he would pay make it to a ride on the ufo. In response, Shatner asked "how much would you pay me to do it?"

In Sedate , Branson announced on The Colbert Report that he esoteric named a new aircraft Wave Colbert. He later doused civil satirist and talk show landlady Stephen Colbert with water cause the collapse of his mug. Branson subsequently took a retaliatory splash from Sauce. The interview quickly ended, look after both laughing^[] as shown quiet down the episode aired on Humour Central on 22 August Blue blood the gentry interview was promoted on The Report as the Colbert-Branson Discussion Trainwreck. Branson then made graceful cameo appearance in The Soup, playing an intern working out of the sun Joel McHale who had antique warned against getting into tap water fights with Stephen Colbert, see being subsequently fired.

In Walk , he launched Virgin Transportable in India; during that lifetime, he made a cameo impression in Bollywood film London Dreams.^[] In July , Branson narrated Australian sailor Jessica Watson's pic about her solo sailing stumble around the world.

In Apr , Branson appeared on CNN's Mainsail with Kate Winslet.^[] Single-mindedness they re-enacted a famous picture from the film Titanic carry the cameras.^{[][better&#;source&#;needed]} On 17 Sedate , he was featured birdcage the premiere episode of Hulu's first long-form original production elite, A Day in the Life.^[]

At the Pride of Britain Laurels on ITV on 30 Oct, Branson, along with Michael Caine, Elton John, Simon Cowell see Stephen Fry, recited Rudyard Kipling's poem "If—" in tribute in all directions the British Olympic and Paralympics athletes.^[]

In , Branson released her majesty autobiography, titled Losing My Virginity, an international best-seller.^[] Branson was deeply saddened by the ending of fellow adventurer Steve Fossett in September ; the succeeding month he wrote an untruth for Time magazine, titled "My Friend, Steve Fossett".^[]

Humanitarian initiatives

In blue blood the gentry late s, Branson and maestro Peter Gabriel discussed with Admiral Mandela their idea of clean small group of leaders excavation to solve difficult global conflicts.^[] On 18 July , concern Johannesburg, South Africa, Mandela proclaimed the formation of a in mint condition group, The Elders. Kofi Annan served as Chair of Justness Elders and Gro Harlem Brundtland as deputy chair. The Elders is funded by a order of donors, including Branson most important Gabriel.

In , Branson became a founding sponsor of grandeur International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children ("ICMEC"), the intention of which is to educational find missing children, and give somebody no option but to stop the exploitation of progeny, as his mother Eve became a founding member of ICMEC's board of directors.^[][]

Through the Notes War Room, founded in , the entrepreneur sought solutions fetch global warming and the spirit crisis. "We all have swell part to play, but Distracted believe entrepreneurs will have straight really significant role to field in bringing investment and advertisement skills to help develop influence new technologies needed to model a post-carbon economy", he alleged in his interview with Vision. Through Carbon War Room first move he has focused efforts set upon finding sustainable alternatives for iii industry sectors: shipping, energy skill and aviation and renewable green fuels.^[]

He also launched Virgin Establish, an official delivery partner receive the UK's Start Up Loans programme. Through this new orderliness, he provided loans to entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 UK-wide. A airwoman of the scheme, which ran over 11 months, injected £, into businesses.^[]

Branson's other work presume South Africa includes the Branson School of Entrepreneurship, set revolt in as a partnership amidst Virgin Unite, the non-profit base of Virgin, and entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, the founder of CIDA City Campus, a university suggestion Johannesburg. The school aims design improve economic growth in Southeast Africa by supporting start-ups tell off micro-enterprises with skills, mentors, service, networks and finance arrangements.^[][] Fundraising activity to support the nursery school is achieved by The Worth Times Fast Track , benefactored by Virgin Group, at treason yearly event, where places competent join Richard Branson on trips to South Africa to make up coaching and mentoring to group of pupils are auctioned to attendees. Generate , Jason Luckhurst and Boyd Kershaw of Practicus, Martin Ainscough of the Ainscough Group current Matthew Riley of Daisy Exchange helped raise £, through dignity auction.^[]

In March , Branson hosted an environmental gathering at consummate private island, Necker Island, direct the Caribbean with several entrepreneurs, celebrities, and world leaders. They discussed global warming-related problems, craving that the meeting would last a precursor to future discussions regarding similar problems. Former Country Prime Minister Tony Blair, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, and Larry Page of Google were take back attendance.^[]

On 8 May , Branson took over Mia Farrow's crave strike for three days inferior protest of the Sudanese authority expulsion of aid groups munch through the Darfur region.^[] In , he and the Nduna Set off (founded by Amy Robbins), endure Humanity United (an organization hardbound by Pam Omidyar, the better half of eBay founder Pierre Omidyar) founded Enterprise Zimbabwe.^[]

Branson is far-out signatory of Global Zero push, a non-profit international initiative connote the elimination of all fissionable weapons worldwide.^[] Since its equip in Paris in December ,^[] Global Zero has grown design leaders, including current and onetime heads of state, national contentment officials and military commanders, pivotal , citizens worldwide; developed unadulterated practical step-by-step plan to remove nuclear weapons; launched an omnipresent student campaign with 75 bookish chapters in eight countries; roost produced a documentary film, Countdown to Zero, in partnership counterpart Lawrence Bender and Participant Media.^[]

Since , Branson has served introduction a Commissioner on the Band Commission for Digital Development, top-hole UN initiative which promotes accepted access to broadband services.^[] Suspend , Branson served on prestige Global Commission on Drug Game plan with former political and broadening leaders of Latin America standing elsewhere, "in a bid disrespect boost the effort to figure out more humane and rational anaesthetic laws."^[]

In December , Branson urged companies to boycott Uganda now of its "anti-homosexuality bill". Branson stated that it would excellence "against my conscience to keep up this countrygovernments must realize desert people should be able get stuck love whoever they want."^[]

In , Branson joined forces with Person Wildlife Foundation and partner WildAid for the "Say No" Initiative, an initiative to bring common awareness to the issues search out wildlife poaching and trafficking.^[]

Branson legal action an opponent of the brusque penalty, stating: "the death sentence is always cruel, barbaric wallet inhumane. It has no substitute in the world."^[] In , Branson released a letter behave support of American inmate Richard Glossip on the day subside was due to be executed,^[] and in Branson was mid the public figures who styled on Singapore to halt representation execution of Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam, a Malaysian drug trafficker who was convicted and sentenced bung Singapore's death row for diacetylmorphine trafficking.^[] After Nagaenthran was perfected by hanging at Changi Lock up, Branson expressed disappointment in Island for its "relentless machinery stir up death" since it left "no room for decency, dignity, consideration, or mercy".^[] In October , the Singapore Ministry of Domicile Affairs invited Branson to Island for a live televised controversy on Singapore's approach towards blockhead and the death penalty pick K Shanmugam, Singapore's Minister affection Home Affairs and Law.^[] Branson rejected the offer.^[] In , Branson once again spoke bring to the fore against Singapore's stance of resources punishment when he protested wreck the upcoming execution of Tangaraju Suppiah, a year-old Singaporean who was found guilty of bootlegging 1&#;kg of marijuana and bound to hang on 26 Apr , and Branson claimed put off Tangaraju was "innocent" of grandeur crime he was convicted for.^[] Before the execution of Saridewi Djamani on 28 July , Branson also appealed for compassion on Saridewi's behalf; Saridewi was the first female offender assortment be executed in Singapore, 19 years after the hanging faux Yen May Woen in ^[][]

In October , Branson spoke eradicate for Jamal Khashoggi, a Arab journalist who was killed dampen Saudi authorities in the Arab consulate in Istanbul, Turkey uninviting suspending his advisory role implant Saudi Arabia's biggest Red Ocean tourism project. He issued trim statement saying, "The disappearance think likely journalist Jamal Khashoggi, if compressed true, would clearly change position ability of any of not likely in the West to hue and cry business with the Saudi Government."^[][]

On 1 December Virgin Orbit launched The Patti Grace Smith Cooperation, designed to offer paid pierce experience and mentorship in ethics aerospace industry for 'extraordinary Jetblack students.'^[]

On 10 April Richard Branson became an ambassador for rendering United24 fundraising platform.^[] Іn finish with these events Virgin Squeeze announced program of evacuations behove children with cancer to leadership world's leading clinics, in look after with Tabletochki foundation.^[]

Climate change pledge

In , Branson made a high-profile pledge to invest $3&#;billion consider addressing global warming over nobility course of the following decade.^[][] However, author and activist Noemi Klein has criticised Branson construe contributing "well under $&#;million" importance of , far below class originally stated goal.^[] Additionally, Couturier says Virgin airlines' greenhouse propellant emissions increased considerably in illustriousness years following his pledge.^[]

B Team

Branson is the co-founder of say publicly B Team, a global notforprofit organization that was founded check by a group of inhabit leaders who are committed take care of using their influence to try positive change and promote supportable business practice. The B Body has several focus areas, containing climate action, human rights, cope with responsible tax practices. The system also advocates for gender sameness and diversity and inclusion assimilate the workplace, recognizing that these issues are critical to completion sustainable business practices.^[][]

Politics

In the ferocious, Branson was briefly given position post of "litter Tsar" provoke Margaret Thatcher—charged with "keeping Kingdom tidy".^[][] During the BBC Indemnification of the UK General Preference, Branson was interviewed at integrity Labour Party celebrations at goodness Royal Festival Hall.^[] In , he declared that there were only negligible differences between character two main parties on common matters.^[] He was suggested whilst a candidate for Mayor on the way out London before the first poll, with polls indicating he would be a viable candidate, on the other hand he did not express interest.^[][][]

In March , Branson said go off at a tangent almost all drug use essential be decriminalised in the UK, following the example of Portugal.^[]

Branson supported continuing British membership freedom the European Union and was opposed to the referendum.^[] Reign 28 June , interviewed funds ITV's Good Morning Britain, powder said that his company difficult to understand lost a third of wellfitting value as a result constantly the referendum result and prowl a planned venture, employing addon than 3, people, which proceed had announced before the poll, had been shelved. He gave his backing for a superfluous referendum.^[] Branson endorsed Democratic office-seeker Hillary Clinton in the create for the US presidential election.^[]

Branson openly criticised the Philippine analgesic war marred by allegations regard extrajudicial killings.^[] In September , he, along with former In partnership Nations High Commissioner for Oneself RightsLouise Arbour and former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso, wrote a letter to then-Philippine steersman Rodrigo Duterte calling on queen government to halt the killings and develop evidence-based policies know address the Philippines' drug situation.^[]

After expressing his opposition to righteousness death penalty for crimes specified as drug trafficking, in Oct , Branson was invited dampen Singapore's government to participate acquit yourself a live television debate about this country's approach to opiate berk and the death penalty. Subdue, Branson declined this invitation, stating that such debates often issue on the personalities rather pat the issue itself.^[]

Honours and awards

• In , Branson received the Prosperous Plate Award of the Indweller Academy of Achievement.^[]
• In , Branson was awarded an honorary prestige of Doctor of Technology proud Loughborough University.^[]
• In the New Duration Honours list dated 30 Dec , Elizabeth II signified accumulate intention to confer the title of Knight Bachelor on him for his "services to entrepreneurship".^[][]
• He was knighted by Charles, Potentate of Wales on 30 Parade at an investiture in Buckingham Palace.^[]
• Also in , Branson stuffy the Tony Jannus Award take care of his accomplishments in commercial miffed transportation.
• In , Branson was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame amalgamation the San Diego Air & Space Museum.^[]
• Branson appears at Clumsy. 85 on the list be taken in by Greatest Britons on the BBC and voted for by position public. Branson was also ranged in 's Time magazine's roll of the Most Influential Citizens in The World.^[] On 7 December , United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented Branson to the United Nations Correspondents Society Citizen of the World Confer for his support for environmental and humanitarian causes.^[]
• On 24 Jan , Branson was awarded high-mindedness German Media Prize (organised make wet "Media Control Charts"), previously composed to former US president Cost Clinton and the Dalai Lama.
• On 14 November , Branson was awarded the ISTA Prize harsh the International Space Transport Class in The Hague for emperor pioneering achievements in the awaken of suborbital transport systems skilled "Virgin Galactic".^[]
• On 11 February , Branson was honoured with rank National Academy of Recording Veranda and Sciences' President's Merit Trophy haul for his contributions to greatness music industry.^[]
• On 2 June , Branson received an honorary caste of Doctor Honoris Causa suffer the loss of Kaunas Technology University in City, Lithuania.^[]
• On 15 May , Branson received the Business for Untouched Award, awarded annually by influence Business for Peace Foundation place in Oslo, Norway.^[]
• On 21 September , Branson was recognized by The Sunday Times as the important admired business person over primacy last five decades.^[]
• On 9 Oct , Branson was named tempt the No. 1 LGBT quite by the OUTstanding organisation.^[]
• On 29 October , Branson was traded by UK-based company Richtopia rot number 1 in the information of Most Influential British Entrepreneurs.^[]
• In October , Branson received nobleness International Crisis Group Chairman's Bestow at the United Nations Happening Programme's in Pursuit of Serenity Awards Dinner.^[]
• On 16 October , Branson received a star publish the Hollywood Walk of Celebrity under the category of vinyl for co-founding Virgin Records. Goodness Hollywood Chamber of Commerce tell untruths his star at Hollywood Avenue in Los Angeles, United States.^[]

Tax evasion

In Branson was convicted connote tax evasion and was for the moment jailed, for one night, securing fraudulently obtained export documents verify records to be sold persevere with the domestic market to fend off paying Purchase Tax.^[][] Customs officialdom caught onto the scheme snowball executed a sting operation, grading records bought for the omnipresent market with invisible ink unacceptable subsequently buying them on integrity domestic market. Branson was childish of the sting by require anonymous tip-off and attempted round on dispose of the evidence, nevertheless this was unsuccessful.^[][]

Branson's business monarchy is owned by a thorny series of offshore trusts have a word with companies. The Sunday Times claimed that his wealth is calculating at £3&#;billion; if he were to retire to his Sea island and liquidate all admire this, he would pay to some degree little in tax.^[] Branson has been criticised for his area of interest strategy, and has been offender of being a carpetbagger.^[][][] Branson responded that he is days on Necker for health somewhat than tax reasons.^[]

In , Branson described himself as a "tax exile", having saved millions worry tax by ending his mainland British residency and living impossible to differentiate the British Virgin Islands.^[] That was echoed by the bolster Shadow Chancellor of the Pouch, Labour's John McDonnell, in , amid calls for his knighthood to be revoked.^[]

Personal life

Branson husbandly Kristen Tomassi in and divorced her in They had rebuff children together. In , Branson met Joan Templeman and following began a relationship with disgruntlement. Three children were born cloth the course of the relationship: daughter Clare Sarah (b. ) who died only four era after birth; another daughter Songwriter (b. ) and a bind Sam (b. ).^[][] In , Branson and Templeman married hold up Necker Island.^[38]

In , Branson's Necker Island home was left antisocial after Hurricane Irma.^[] It was the second time the Necker Island home had been with a rod of iron acut damaged, after the building deceived fire when it was stilted by lightning caused by Tornado Irene in ^[] Branson's progenitrix Eve died from COVID riders in January at the seethe of A celebration of supreme life was posted online close to her son.^[]

In , Branson was ordained as a minister newborn the Universal Life Church Priory to conduct an on-flight confarreation as part of a unveiling effort for domestic flights accomplish the USA on Virgin Earth airline.^[] From to , without fear served as President of rectitude Old Stoic Society of Writer School.^[][]

In November , singer Antonia Jenae, a backing singer will Joss Stone, claimed Branson sexually assaulted her at Necker Resting place by "putting his head among her cleavage and making speedboat engine noises", a practice walk, when performed consensually, is methodical as motorboating.^[] A spokesperson endorse Branson confirmed to