BILLIONAIRE BRITAIN

There have never been more of them in booming UK – but who are the nation’s richest 50... and how DID they make so much cash?

THEY have expectations and a lifestyle beyond imagination – and they are changing the face of Britain. According to an authoritative new survey by the Hurun Global Rich List, Britain now has an astonishing 56 sterling billionaires.

London already boasts more than 30. And last night it emerged that French luxury goods tycoon Francois-Henri Pinault and his wife, Hollywood star Salma Hayek, are moving to Kensington.

Around half of Britain’s super-rich have come from abroad, attracted to the lifestyle, private schools and the rule of law. There is also less scrutiny of tax and general business affairs than in some jurisdictions.

New millionaires include Farhad Moshiri, an Iranian-British businessman who owns 15 per cent of Arsenal Football Club, and Indonesian entrepreneur Prakash Lohia, who made his fortunes from petrochemicals and textiles. Known as The Maharajah of Mayfair, he spent an estimated £50million restoring his London house.

They appear alongside established names such as retail tycoon Philip Green and property magnates Earl Cadogan and the Duke of Westminster. And rich list regular Richard Branson has increased his personal wealth by 32 per cent in a year.

Here, then, are Britain’s top 50 billionaires in order – along with their taste in planes, yachts, art and property, with the odd charitable donation along the way.