Construction dominates self-made tycoon list

Grant Prior 14 years ago
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Leading construction figures including Ray O’Rourke and Sir Anthony Bamford dominate a list of leading business people who have made their fortune without getting a university degree.

The self-made millionaires have built their fortunes following an apprenticeship or other practical qualification.

According to the City and Guilds Vocational Rich List five of the country’s top 20 self-made millionaires come from construction and made their way in the business world on their own merits.

In pole position is Sir Anthony Bamford, the JCB billionaire, who saw his family fortune shoot up to £2.15bn this year. He passed through an engineering apprenticeship.

Next in the rankings is Redrow’s chairman Steve Morgan, said to be worth £400m, followed by John Bloor who built his £385m fortune in house building and then went on the rebuild the Triumph motorcycle name.

Another house builder David Wilson is estimated to be worth £360m after selling his business, followed by contractor Ray O’Rourke who is estimated to have amassed a £315m personal fortune.

In fact 25 of the top 100 also come from property and construction.

Chris Jones, CEO and Director General of City & Guilds said: “Our latest Vocational Rich List proves you don’t need a degree to succeed.

“The List not only celebrates the success of Britain’s leading business men and women, but also serves as an inspiration to others to discover their talent and unlock their potential through vocational education and skills training.


Rank Name Background Weaith (£m)
Region
1 Sir Anthony Bamford 2,150 Industry Staffordshire
2 Laurence Graff 2,000 Diamonds London (East)
3 John Caudwell 1,500 Mobile phones Stoke-on-Trent
4 Sir James Dyson 1,450 Industry Malmesbury
5 Sir Terry Matthews 1,043 Telecoms Newport
6 Jim McColl 570 Industry Glasgow
7 Trevor Hemmings 550 Property and leisure London/Lancashire
8 Sir David McMurty 450 Industry Dublin
9 Sir Arnold Clark 430 Cale sales Glasgow
10 Steve Morgan 400 Property and construction Liverpool
11 John Bloor 385 Industry Midlands
12 David Wilson 360 Construction Leicestershire
13 Ray O’Rourke 315 Construction County Mayo
14 Jack Tordoff 290 Car sales Bradford
15 David Hood 250 Electronics Shipley
16 Michael Clare 237 Property and retailing Beaconsfield
17 John Deer 210 Industry Wooton-under-Edge
18 Michael Oglesby 200 Property Scunthorpe
19 Peter Dawson 187 Truck details Milton Keynes
20 Ron Dennis 177 Industry and motor sports Woking

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