An annual ranking of the region’s most successful business people, The South West Rich List 2023 has been published today by Bristol World’s sister publication Insider.
Compiled by Rob Watts, who is known for his work on the Sunday Times Rich List, the list included business owners, entrepreneurs and also royalty.
As well as people who owe their wealth to technological wizardry, the Top 100 rankings also include debutants who have built fortunes from house building, running hotels, brewing beer and even selling garden pots.
Prince William features as the successor of the Duchy of Cornwall, a vast property portfolio dating back to the 14th century, after his father became king.
There been tougher business conditions for some of this year’s Rich List mainstays but perhaps they can take heart from the turnaround at Clarks Shoes.
The founding family leap up this year’s rankings after the high-street chain posted annual profits of £61.3m in 2022. Just two years before the Somerset-based group racked up a £23.8m loss.
That’s quite a comeback and, like everything in business, not entirely down to luck.
Here are the Top 15 richest people in the South West.
1. Sir James Dyson and family
2023: £23bn | 2022: £23bn. Technology.
2. Chris and Sarah Dawson
2023: £2.15bn | 2022: £2.25bn. The Range discount stores.
3. Peter Hargreaves
2023: £1.752bn | 2022: £1.743bn. Finance.
4. Steve Lansdown
2023: £1.304bn | 2022: £1.301bn. Financial services and owner of Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears.