Owner, Arcadia and Bhs

Sir Philip Green Owner Arcadia & BHS

Billionaire Green had another year in the limelight, although there were times he would rather have not been making headlines.

As well as dressing many of the nation’s women, the Arcadia tycoon has a track record of deploying his power and wealth to contribute to society more widely through ventures such as the Fashion Retail Academy.

But his willingness to help the new coalition Government identify efficiencies made him a lightning-rod for opposition to cuts. His tax arrangements were questioned and his flagship Topshop store on Oxford Street was targeted during protests against austerity measures.

But Green hasn’t shrunk from civic life and retail’s role within it. In April, he held talks with the Government about the potential to launch a fashion manufacturing academy, similar to his shopkeeping school, to train a new generation of skilled clothing professionals such as pattern cutters. He has also been assessing the possibility of having more of Arcadia’s product manufactured in the UK.

Despite his involvement in such initiatives, Green has remained closely involved in
Arcadia. Over the past year, he has particularly focused on international expansion opportunities, especially for his flagship business, Topshop.

Sao Paolo in Brazil and Australia are both on Green’s radar. He said at the start of the year that there is potential to double Topshop’s sales over five years by developing its international operations, citing the success of global groups such as H&M and Inditex.

Green’s increasingly high profile was recognised internationally by America’s National Retail Federation, which named him International Retailer of the Year.

Although last autumn brought an end to Topshop’s long-standing relationship with model Kate Moss and trading has been tough for his chains as for others, Green remains one of the industry’s most powerful movers and shakers and he shows no signs of slowing down.