(qlmbusinessnews.com . Fri 13th Feb, 2026) London, UK —
Billionaire and Manchester United Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe's Journey from Council Estate to Monaco Resident
In a recent turn of events, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire businessman renowned as one of Britain's wealthiest individuals, faced criticism from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The critique came in response to Ratcliffe's remark implying that immigrants have “colonised” the UK, a statement Starmer condemned as “wrong and offensive.” Ratcliffe, also a co-owner of Manchester United, issued an apology on Thursday for his “choice of language” and advocated for an “open debate” on migration, amongst other topics.
Ratcliffe's Fortune:
The UK's financial circles often buzz about Sir Jim Ratcliffe's wealth, with various estimates placing him high on the list of Britain's richest. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, his fortune is tabulated at £17 billion, securing him the seventh position, whereas Forbes suggests a slightly modest figure of £12.8 billion. His expansive asset portfolio includes a significant stake in Manchester United, luxury homes in London and Hampshire, a French Alps hotel, and the 78m superyacht Hampshire II. Nonetheless, a substantial part of his wealth emanates from his chemical company, Ineos.
The Making of a Billionaire:
Born to a joiner and raised on a council estate in Greater Manchester, Ratcliffe's journey to riches is a tale of ambition and grit. After attending the University of Birmingham, he ventured into the energy and chemicals industry. His significant breakthrough came in 1992 when he leveraged his home to acquire a chemical division from BP, a gamble that paid off, leading to the foundation of Ineos in 1998. Over the years, Ratcliffe's knack for expansion and strategic acquisitions has turned Ineos into a global conglomerate, with £50 billion in sales, over 26,000 employees, and operations across 154 sites in 27 countries.
A Life of Luxury and Controversy:
While Ratcliffe's investments and interests firmly root him in the UK, including his beloved Manchester United, the billionaire chose Monaco as his residence in 2020, a move speculated to save him £4bn in taxes. Despite his tax domicile shift, Ratcliffe's presence in the UK is marked by various properties and investments, including two superyachts and a deep involvement in football.
Manchester United and Beyond:
A lifelong fan of Manchester United, Ratcliffe became part of the football club's history in February 2024, acquiring a 27.7% stake for £1.25 billion. Though the Glazer family retains majority ownership, Ratcliffe's Ineos Group assumed control over football operations, pledging a significant investment in the team's future and facilities, including a £237 million injection for Old Trafford stadium enhancements.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Knighthood and Political Leanings:
Knighted in 2018 for his contributions to business and investment, Ratcliffe's political stance has been notable, especially his support for Brexit, despite his criticism of the idea of a “United States of Europe.” By June 2024, Ratcliffe surprised many by backing the Labour Party and Sir Keir Starmer, expressing his belief in a need for change from the Conservative Party leadership.
However, Ratcliffe's recent comments on immigration have reignited discussions on his viewpoint, underscoring the complexity of public figures navigating the socio-political landscape. Despite the backlash, Ratcliffe's career and influence remain significant in the spheres of business, sports, and politics in the UK.
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel.
Visit QLM businessnews.com for more business news stories. Also follow us on Facebook, X, and Youtube.
To help QLM Business News bring you more news stories like this, please like, share, and subscribe.
Unlock unparalleled business growth and effortlessly attract a stream of new customers through QLM Business News Sponsored Advertising. Elevate your brand's presence and captivate your target audience with precision. Visit QLMbusinessnews.com and click on “Advertise” to harness the power of strategic advertising. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to propel your business to new heights of success!
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
