In the same week Andy Burnham announced a drive to revive the British high street and John Lewis warned of “really tough” trading in its department stores, Mike Ashley swooped in and bought Harvey Nichols. He likes being contrary, does Ashley. It’s how he has amassed a fortune worth £3.44 billion at the most recent estimate, making him comfortably one of the richest people in Britain.
The 61-year-old was a county squash player in his youth and planned to turn professional, until an injury ended his playing career. He became a coach before moving into selling sports gear. At 18, he opened his first shop in Maidenhead, armed with a £10,000 family loan.
