Trevor Hemmings
Trevor Hemmings | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 June 1935 Woolwich, London, England |
| Died | 11 October 2021 (aged 86) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Businessman |
| Known for | Ownership of Preston North End F.C., horse racing ownership (three Grand National winners) |
Trevor James Hemmings (11 June 1935 – 11 October 2021) was a prominent British entrepreneur and billionaire.
Early life
Hemmings was born in Woolwich, London, as the son of a worker employed by Royal Ordnance. His family moved to Euxton, Lancashire during the Second World War. While attending night classes in business, he began employment in the railway sector and subsequently trained as an apprentice bricklayer. Hemmings accumulated his initial wealth through ventures in residential construction, divesting his first company in the early 1970s and later selling a second enterprise to Barratt Developments for £5.7 million.
Career
Among Hemmings’ business interests were ownership of Preston North End F.C., Northern Trust Co. Ltd, Classic Lodges Ltd., and Trust Inns Ltd. He was also a significant figure in horse racing, owning more than 100 racehorses, including three victors of the Grand National: Hedgehunter (2005), Ballabriggs (2011), and Many Clouds (2015).
In 2009, the Sunday Times Rich List revealed that Hemmings suffered losses amounting to £700 million as a result of a downturn in Royal Bank of Scotland shares combined with depreciation in his property holdings in the North West. At that time, he was ranked ninth wealthiest in that region and 178th across the UK. By 2021, his fortune was approximated at £1.115 billion.
In 2005, Hemmings purchased the former Pontins holiday camp located at Plemont Bay. After several redevelopment plans encountered resistance spearheaded by the National Trust for Jersey, the organization acquired the property from Hemmings in 2014 for £7.15 million, with £3.6 million of this amount contributed by the States of Jersey.
Philanthropy
Hemmings provided financial support for the S.A.F.E centre, which assists survivors of sexual violence in Preston, Lancashire.
Recognition
He was honored with the title of Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) during the 2011 Birthday Honours in recognition of his contributions to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, now known as Carers Trust.
Personal life
In 1955, Hemmings married Eve Rumney; together they had three sons and one daughter. Later in life, he primarily resided at Ballasyer Stud in Andreas, Isle of Man. He passed away on 11 October 2021 at the age of 86.