Editing Richard Branson (section)

==Virgin==
{{Main|Virgin Group|Timeline of Richard Branson's business ventures}}

===1972–1980: Founding of Virgin Records===
[[File:The Manor Studios (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[The Manor Studio]], Richard Branson's recording studio in the [[manor house]] at the village of [[Shipton-on-Cherwell]] in [[Oxfordshire]]]]
In 1972, using money earned from his record store, Branson launched the record label [[Virgin Records]] with [[Nik Powell]]. The name "Virgin" was suggested by one of Branson's early employees because they were all new at business.<ref name="ReferenceA">Richard Branson – ''Losing my Virginity''</ref> Branson bought a country estate north of [[Oxford]] in which he installed a residential recording studio, [[The Manor Studio]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.biography.com/people/richard-branson-9224520|title=Richard Branson Biography|access-date=16 September 2014|website=The Biography.com website|publisher=[[A&E Television Networks]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902042020/http://www.biography.com/people/richard-branson-9224520|archive-date=2 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> He leased studio time to fledgling artists, including multi-instrumentalist [[Mike Oldfield]], whose debut album ''[[Tubular Bells]]'' (1973) was the first release for Virgin Records and became a chart-topping best-seller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03cw8g0|title=Tubular Bells: The Mike Oldfield Story|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407044710/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03cw8g0|archive-date=7 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Virgin signed controversial bands such as the [[Sex Pistols]], which other companies were reluctant to sign. Virgin Records would go on to sign other artists including the [[Rolling Stones]], [[Peter Gabriel]], [[XTC]], [[Japan (band)|Japan]], [[UB40]], [[Steve Winwood]] and [[Paula Abdul]], and to become the world's largest independent record label.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197616|title=Richard Branson The P.T. Barnum of British Business|year=2008|access-date=23 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817003928/https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197616|archive-date=17 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It also won praise for exposing the public to such lesser known avant-garde music as [[Faust (band)|Faust]] and [[Can (band)|Can]]. Virgin Records also introduced [[Culture Club]] to the music world.

Branson's net worth was estimated at £5&nbsp;million by 1979, and a year later, Virgin Records went international.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

=== 1981–1987: Package holiday industries, compilation albums, and Virgin Atlantic ===
[[File:Virgin Atlantic A340-600 (G-VWEB) arrives London Heathrow 7Jun2015 arp.jpg|thumb|[[Virgin Atlantic]] [[Airbus A340]] approaching [[London Heathrow]] in June 2015]]
Branson's first successful entry into the [[airline]] industry was during a trip to Puerto Rico. His flight was cancelled, so he decided to charter his own plane the rest of the way and offered a ride to the rest of the stranded passengers for a small fee to cover the cost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/richard-branson-entrepreneur-visionary-2011-5/|title=Richard Branson: How a Cancelled Flight Led to the World's Greatest Travel Empire|last=Zeveloff|first=J.|website=[[Business Insider]] |date=May 2011|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204170124/http://www.businessinsider.com/richard-branson-entrepreneur-visionary-2011-5|archive-date=4 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1982, Virgin purchased the gay bar [[Heaven (nightclub)|Heaven]]. In 1991, in a consortium with [[David Frost]], Branson made an unsuccessful bid for three [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] franchises under the [[CPV-TV]] name. The early 1980s also saw his only attempt as a producer—on the novelty record "[[Baa, Baa, Black Sheep]]", by The Singing Sheep in association with Doug McLean and Grace McDonald, on which he was credited as "Jeff Mutton". The track consisted of samples of animal noises recorded at his aunt Claire Hoares' farm in Norfolk, set to a drum-machine-produced track and reached number 42 in the UK charts in 1982.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://epnofny.com/epnmag/blog/2012/12/02/entrepreneur-guru-sir-richard-branson/ |title=Entrepreneur Guru Sir Richard Branson |publisher=EPN |date=2 December 2012 |access-date=22 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024148/http://epnofny.com/epnmag/blog/2012/12/02/entrepreneur-guru-sir-richard-branson/ |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1983, ''[[Now That's What I Call Music!]]'' emerged from Virgin Records offices as a unique compilation series, distinct in its originality. Collaborating with [[EMI]], Peter Jamieson orchestrated the partnership on Richard Branson's boat, leading to the concise and impactful title "''Now That's What I Call Music!''," inspired by a [[Danish Bacon]] poster<ref>{{cite web |date=27 June 2012 |title=NowMusic – The Home Of Hit Music » About NOW |url=http://www.nowmusic.com/about/ |access-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627114704/http://www.nowmusic.com/about/ |archive-date=27 June 2012 }}</ref> gifted to Simon Draper. Richard Branson's introduction to the antique shop owned by Joan Templeman,<ref name=":3" /> played a pivotal role in his growing fascination with old signs and advertisements, ultimately shaping the collection.<ref>{{cite web |title=NOW That's What I Call Music! turns 40 {{!}} Virgin |url=https://virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson-blog/now-thats-what-i-call-music-turns-40 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201143855/https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson-blog/now-thats-what-i-call-music-turns-40 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=Virgin.com }}</ref>

Branson formed [[Virgin Atlantic]] and Virgin Cargo in 1984. He formed [[Virgin Holidays]] in 1985.

=== 1988–2000: Telecoms ventures, railways, and worldwide impact ===
[[File:Lichfield Trent Valley railway station MMB 05 390XXX.jpg|thumb|[[Virgin Trains West Coast]] [[British Rail Class 390|Class 390 ''Pendolino'']] at [[Lichfield Trent Valley railway station|Lichfield]] in August 2011]]
In 1992, to keep his airline company afloat, Branson sold the Virgin label to EMI for £500&nbsp;million.<ref name="bbcprofile">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3693588.stm|title=Profile: Richard Branson|date=27 September 2004|access-date=3 May 2010|work=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201185905/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3693588.stm|archive-date=1 February 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Branson said that he wept when the sale was completed because the record business had been the very start of the Virgin empire. He created [[V2 Records]] in 1996 to re-enter the music business, owning 5% himself.<ref name="solarnav">{{cite web|url=http://www.solarnavigator.net/sponsorship/richard_branson.htm|title=Richard Branson and Virgin-Probably Britains best known Entrepreneur|publisher=Solar Navigator.net|access-date=3 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328062442/http://www.solarnavigator.net/sponsorship/richard_branson.htm|archive-date=28 March 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> Virgin also acquired European [[short-haul]] airline Euro Belgian Airlines and renamed it [[Virgin Express]]. In 1997, Branson took what many saw as being one of his riskier business exploits by entering into the railway business during the [[privatisation of British Rail]] in the late 1990s. [[Virgin Rail Group]] won the [[Virgin CrossCountry|InterCity CrossCountry]] and [[InterCity West Coast]] franchises, beginning operations in January and March 1997 respectively.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html "Virgin to run CrossCountry trains"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055841/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html |date=7 November 2017 }} ''The Independent'' 14 November 1996</ref><ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html "Virgin pledges tilt trains for West Coast"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034655/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html |date=20 August 2017 }} ''The Independent'' 31 January 1997</ref> Both franchises were scheduled to run for 15 years.<ref>Branson's Virgin Group wins CrossCountry Trains for 15 years ''[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]]'' issue 294 18 December 1996, p. 6</ref><ref>Virgin to tackle IC West Coast ''[[Rail Business Intelligence|Rail Privatisation News]]'' issue 48, 20 February 1997, p. 1</ref>

A series of disputes in the early 1990s caused tension between Virgin Atlantic and [[British Airways]], which viewed Virgin as an emerging competitor. Virgin subsequently accused British Airways of poaching its passengers, [[hacker (computer security)|hacking]] its computers, and leaking stories to the press that portrayed Virgin negatively. After the so-called campaign of [[Dirty Tricks (British Airways scandal)|"dirty tricks"]], British Airways settled the case, giving £500,000 to Branson, a further £110,000 to his airline, and had to pay legal fees of up to £3&nbsp;million. Branson distributed his compensation (the so-called "BA bonus") among his staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/02/theairlineindustry.britishairways|title=Row over dirty tricks led to decade of hostilities|first=Lee|last=Glendinning|date=2 August 2007|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 August 2011|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831222332/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/02/theairlineindustry.britishairways|archive-date=31 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Branson launched [[Virgin Mobile]] in 1999, and airline [[Virgin Australia|Virgin Blue]] in Australia in 2000.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130102000006/http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/media/2000/D_019608/ Virgin Blue To Fly The Aussie Skies] Virgin Blue 5 February 2000</ref>

=== 2001–2007: Entry into space travel and Virgin Media ===
[[File:Richard Branson 2001.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Branson in 2001]]
On 25 September 2004, Branson announced the signing of a deal under which a new [[space tourism]] company, [[Virgin Galactic]], will license the technology behind [[SpaceShipOne]]—funded by [[Microsoft]] co-founder [[Paul Allen]] and designed by aeronautical engineer [[Burt Rutan]]—to take paying passengers into [[suborbital]] [[outer space]]. Virgin Galactic plans to make flights available to the public with tickets priced at US$200,000 using the [[Scaled Composites White Knight Two]].<ref name=sn20131111>
{{cite news |last=Klotz|first=Irene |title=Profile : Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Galactic |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/features/38109profile-sir-richard-branson-founder-virgin-galactic |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131127123945/http://www.spacenews.com/article/features/38109profile-sir-richard-branson-founder-virgin-galactic |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2013 |access-date=27 November 2013 |newspaper=Space News |date=11 November 2013 }}</ref> The spacecraft, [[SpaceShipTwo]], is manufactured by [[The Spaceship Company]], which was founded by Branson and Rutan and is now solely owned by Virgin Galactic. In 2013, Branson said that he planned to take his two children, 31-year-old Holly and 28-year-old Sam, on a trip to outer space when they ride the SpaceShipTwo rocket plane on its first public flight, then planned for 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Boyle|first=Alan|title=First family of space: Richard Branson and kids will blaze new trail|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/science/first-family-space-richard-branson-kids-will-blaze-new-trail-8C11566225|work=NBC News|date=9 November 2013 |access-date=4 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203203834/http://www.nbcnews.com/science/first-family-space-richard-branson-kids-will-blaze-new-trail-8C11566225|archive-date=3 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of his promotion of the firm, Branson has added a variation of the Virgin Galactic livery to his personal business jet, the [[Dassault Falcon 900EX]] "Galactic Girl" (G-GALX).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://gadling.com/2008/08/04/sir-richard-bransons-private-jet/ |title= Sir Richard Branson's Private Jet |date= 4 August 2008 |first= Grant |last= Martin |publisher= Gadling |access-date= 10 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151211093429/http://gadling.com/2008/08/04/sir-richard-bransons-private-jet/ |archive-date= 11 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Windows Seat |url= http://www.traveldaily.com.au/photos/window-seat-2/194910 |date= 29 January 2011 |work= Window Seat |access-date= 10 December 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151211112204/http://www.traveldaily.com.au/photos/window-seat-2/194910 |archive-date= 11 December 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He was ninth in [[Sunday Times Rich List|''The Sunday Times'' Rich List 2006]] of the wealthiest people or families in the UK, worth slightly more than £3&nbsp;billion. Branson wrote in his autobiography of the decision to start an airline.

{{blockquote|My interest in life comes from setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them ... from the perspective of wanting to live life to the full, I felt that I had to attempt it.|sign=|source=}}

In 2006, through a merger with [[SN Brussels Airlines]], Virgin Airlines formed [[Brussels Airlines]], while retaining its separate listing.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/virgin-express-creates-brussels-airline-566542.html|title=Virgin Express creates Brussels airline|date=17 March 2004|work=The Independent|access-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504233912/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/virgin-express-creates-brussels-airline-566542.html|archive-date=4 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It also started a national airline based in Nigeria, called [[Virgin Nigeria]], which ceased operations in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8089858.stm|title=Virgin to sell Nigerian airline|date=8 June 2009|access-date=4 May 2018}}</ref> Another airline, [[Virgin America]], began flying out of [[San Francisco International Airport]] in August 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scenes from Virgin America's inaugural flight (Aug. 8, 2007)|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/flights/2017/08/18/scenes-from-virgin-americas-inaugural-flight-aug-8-2007/104710286/|access-date=22 October 2021|website=www.usatoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=9 August 2007|title=Virgin America touches down for service from San Francisco|url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2007/08/09/virgin-america-touches-down-for-service-from-san-francisco/|access-date=22 October 2021|website=East Bay Times}}</ref>

Branson's next venture with the Virgin group was [[Virgin Fuels]], which was set up to respond to [[global warming]] and exploit the recent spike in fuel costs by offering a revolutionary, cheaper fuel for automobiles and, in the near future, aircraft. Branson has stated that he was formerly a [[global warming sceptic]] and was influenced in his decision by a breakfast meeting with [[Al Gore]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2477400 |title=Breakfast With Al Gore Persuades Branson to Pledge Billions to Global Warming |work=ABC News |date=22 September 2006 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021033349/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2477400 |archive-date=21 October 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 21 September 2006, Branson pledged to invest the profits of Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in research for environmentally-friendly fuels. The investment is estimated to be worth $3&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/index.php?menuID=1&subID=770 | title=Come fly with me, come give it away | access-date=23 September 2006 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229152134/http://www.theweek.co.uk/index.php?menuID=1&subID=770 | archive-date=29 February 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46071
 |title       = Virgin Group to Invest $3&nbsp;Billion in Renewable Energy
 |access-date  = 12 October 2006
|url-status     = usurped
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120203043509/http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/home
 |archive-date = 3 February 2012
}}</ref>

On 4 July 2006, Branson sold his [[Virgin Mobile]] company to UK cable TV, broadband, and telephone company NTL:Telewest for £900&nbsp;million. A new company was launched with much fanfare and publicity on 8 February 2007, under the name [[Virgin Media]]. The decision to merge his Virgin Media Company with NTL was made in order to integrate compatible areas of the two businesses. Whilst Branson had owned three-quarters of Virgin Mobile, he would now get paid £8.5&nbsp;million per annum for the use of the Virgin brand name. He does not own any part of Virgin Media.<ref name="Perry">{{cite news| last = Fryer| first = Pat| title = Uma Thurman to promote Virgin Media| publisher = earthtimes.org| date = 23 January 2007| url = http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/23001.html| access-date = 2 February 2007| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010095924/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/23001.html| archive-date = 10 October 2007| url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, Branson formed [[Virgin Comics]] and Virgin Animation, an entertainment company focused on creating new stories and characters for a global audience. The company was founded with author [[Deepak Chopra]], filmmaker [[Shekhar Kapur]], and entrepreneurs [[Sharad Devarajan]] and [[Gotham Chopra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/07/pressandpublishing.virginrichardbranson|title=Branson launches Virgin Comics with India appeal|last=Teather|first=David|date=7 January 2006|website=The Guardian|access-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505070503/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/jan/07/pressandpublishing.virginrichardbranson|archive-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Branson also launched the [[Virgin Health Bank]] on 1 February 2007, offering parents-to-be the opportunity to store their baby's [[umbilical cord]] blood [[stem cells]] in private and public stem-cell banks.

In June 2006, a tip-off from Virgin Atlantic led both UK and US competition authorities to investigate price-fixing attempts between Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. In August 2007, British Airways was fined £271&nbsp;million over the allegations. Virgin Atlantic was given immunity for tipping off the authorities and received no fine—a controversial decision the Office of Fair Trading defended as being in the public interest.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ruth |last=Sunderland |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/airlines/story/0,,2141647,00.html |title=OFT defends 'snitch' policy |date=5 August 2007|access-date=14 September 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Alberto Hazan and Richard Branson 2007.jpg|thumb|right|Branson with Alberto Hazan in June 2007 helping launch [[Virgin Radio Italia]]]]
On 9 February 2007, Branson announced the setting up of a new global science and technology prize—The [[Virgin Earth Challenge]]—in the belief that history has shown that prizes of this nature encourage technological advancements for the good of mankind. The Virgin Earth Challenge was to award $25&nbsp;million to the individual or group who are able to demonstrate a commercially viable design that will result in the net removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric [[greenhouse gas]]es each year for at least ten years without countervailing harmful effects. This removal must have long-term effects and contribute materially to the stability of the Earth's climate. Branson also announced that he would be joined in the adjudication of the prize by a panel of five judges, all world authorities in their respective fields: [[Al Gore]], [[Sir Crispin Tickell]], [[Tim Flannery]], [[James E. Hansen]], and [[James Lovelock]].

In July 2007, Branson purchased his Australian home, [[Makepeace Island]], in [[Noosa]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sir Richard Branson's paradise island|url=http://www.cnngo.com/sydney/visit/richard-bransons-paradise-island-rent-269659|publisher=CNN|date=20 July 2011|access-date=23 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120615192531/http://www.cnngo.com/sydney/visit/richard-bransons-paradise-island-rent-269659|archive-date=15 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2007, Branson announced that he had bought a 20-per cent stake in Malaysia's [[AirAsia X]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2813816/Virgin-Group-buys-AirAsia-X-stake.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Virgin Group buys AirAsia X stake | first=Emma | last=Thelwell | date=10 August 2007 | access-date=22 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100519152533/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2813816/Virgin-Group-buys-AirAsia-X-stake.html | archive-date=19 May 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref>

On 13 October 2007, Branson's Virgin Group sought to add [[Northern Rock]] to its empire after submitting an offer that would result in Branson personally owning 30% of the company and changing the company's name from Northern Rock to [[Virgin Money (brand)|Virgin Money]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Teather|first1=David|last2=Finch|first2=Julia|last3=Wearden|first3=Graeme|url=http://money.guardian.co.uk/news_/story/0,,2190411,00.html|title=Branson dangles offer for Northern Rock|work=The Guardian|date=13 October 2007|access-date=14 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119121420/http://money.guardian.co.uk/news_/story/0,,2190411,00.html|archive-date=19 January 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''[[Daily Mail]]'' ran a campaign against his bid; [[Vince Cable]], financial spokesperson for the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], suggested in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] that Branson's criminal conviction for tax evasion might be felt by some as a good enough reason not to trust him with public money.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phillip |last=Inman |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/dec/13/northernrock.creditcrunch |title=Northern Rock bidder threatens to pull out unless takeover date set, Business |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=12 December 2007 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220210351/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/dec/13/northernrock.creditcrunch |archive-date=20 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2023, Branson declared his decision against injecting additional funds into Virgin Galactic, his space travel company experiencing financial losses. He highlighted that his business empire no longer possesses extensive financial resources, indicating constraints on further investment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Richard Branson rules out further investment in Virgin Galactic |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9fbf47ef-cc9d-4f20-bbf9-24e2d11d4a83 |access-date=18 December 2023 |website=Financial Times|date=2 December 2023 |last1=Hollinger |first1=Peggy |last2=Georgiadis |first2=Philip }}</ref>

=== 2008–2019: Hotels, healthcare and charitable influence ===
On 9 January 2008, [[Virgin Healthcare]] announced that it would open a chain of health care clinics that would offer conventional medical care alongside homeopathic and complementary therapies, a development that was welcomed by [[Ben Bradshaw]], the UK's health minister.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Barker |first1= Alex |last2= Timmins |first2= Nick |date= 10 January 2008 |title= Branson launches healthcare business |url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7f5d8f32-bfa0-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html |work= [[Financial Times]] |access-date= 7 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120718190945/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7f5d8f32-bfa0-11dc-8052-0000779fd2ac.html |archive-date= 18 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Plans where GPs could be paid for referring [[National Health Service]] (NHS) patients to private Virgin services were abandoned in June 2008. The BMA warned the plan would "damage clinical objectivity", there would be a financial incentive for GPs to push patients toward the Virgin services at the centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.healthcarerepublic.com/news/829970 |title=Virgin amends its profit plans |publisher=/ Healthcare Republic |date=11 July 2008 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116210526/http://www.healthcarerepublic.com/news/829970 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Plans to take over an NHS Practice in [[Swindon]] were abandoned in late September 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nursinginpractice.com/default.asp?title=VirgindropsGPpracticeplans&page=article.display&article.id=13581 |title=Virgin drops GP practice plans |publisher=Nursing in Practice |date=22 September 2008 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615035946/http://www.nursinginpractice.com/default.asp?title=VirgindropsGPpracticeplans&page=article.display&article.id=13581 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:RichardBransonBoardVAOCApr09.jpg|thumb|left|Branson in April 2009 at the launch of Virgin America in [[Orange County, California]]]]
In February 2009, Branson's Virgin organization was reported as bidding to buy the former [[Honda in Formula One|Honda Formula One]] team. Branson later stated an interest in [[Formula One]], but claimed that, before the Virgin brand became involved with Honda or any other team, Formula One would have to develop a more economically efficient and environmentally responsible image. At the start of the [[2009 Formula One season]] on 28 March, it was announced that Virgin would be sponsoring the new [[Brawn GP]] team,<ref>[http://www.crash.net/f1/News/144459/1/bransons_virgin_group_to_sponsor_brawn_gp.html Branson's Virgin Group to sponsor Brawn GP] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712044915/http://www.crash.net/f1/News/144459/1/bransons_virgin_group_to_sponsor_brawn_gp.html |date=12 July 2013 }}, www.crash.net</ref> with discussions also under way about introducing a less "dirty" fuel in the medium term.<ref>[http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146360-virgin-become-brawn-gps-title-sponsor Virgin Become Brawn Gp's Title Sponsor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627141900/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146360-virgin-become-brawn-gps-title-sponsor |date=27 June 2012 }}, Bleacher Report</ref> After the end of the season and the subsequent purchase of Brawn GP by [[Mercedes-Benz]], Branson invested in an 80% buyout of Manor Grand Prix,<ref name="F1News">{{cite web |url=http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/article/1244801351/formula_one/F1headlines/FIA-release-2010-entry-list/view.html |title=UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > FIA release 2010 entry list |publisher=Formula-1.updatesport.com |date=12 June 2009 |access-date=1 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728053711/http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/article/1244801351/formula_one/F1headlines/FIA-release-2010-entry-list/view.html |archive-date=28 July 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76653 |title=Virgin set for Manor GP move |work=Autosport |access-date=14 September 2010 |date=3 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513202037/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76653 |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> with the team being renamed [[Virgin Racing]].

In 2010, [[Virgin Hotels]] was launched under the Virgin Group. In February 2018, Branson announced the first Virgin hotel in the UK would open in Edinburgh.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/richard-branson-chooses-edinburgh-for-first-uk-virgin-hotel-1-4679167|title=Richard Branson chooses Edinburgh for first UK Virgin hotel|date=February 2018 |access-date=5 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101302/https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/richard-branson-chooses-edinburgh-for-first-uk-virgin-hotel-1-4679167|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Branson and [[Tony Fernandes]], owner of [[Air Asia]] and [[Lotus F1 Racing]], had a bet for the [[2010 F1 season]] where the losing team's boss should work on the winner's airline during a charity flight dressed as a stewardess. Fernandes escaped as the bet winner, as Lotus Racing ended tenth in the championship, while Virgin Racing ended twelfth and last. Branson kept his word after losing the bet, as he served his duty as a stewardess on an [[Air Asia]] flight between [[Perth Airport|Perth]] and [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur]] on 12 May 2013.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22499827 Virgin's Sir Richard Branson turns stewardess after losing bet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420045502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-22499827 |date=20 April 2017 }}, ''BBC News''</ref>
[[File:5.3.10RichardBransonByDavidShankbone.jpg|thumb|upright|Branson at the [[Time (magazine)|Time 100 Gala]] in May 2010. Known for his informal dress code,<ref>[[Ghil'ad Zuckermann|Zuckermann, Ghil'ad]] (2003), [[Language Contact and Lexical Enrichment in Israeli Hebrew]]. [[Palgrave Macmillan]]. {{ISBN|978-1403917232|978-1403938695}} [http://www.palgrave.com/br/book/9781403917232] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412005718/https://www.palgrave.com/br/book/9781403917232|date=12 April 2019}}: "Richard Branson prefers jumpers to suits". p. 110</ref> this was a rare occasion he didn't wear an open shirt.]]
In 2010, Branson became patron of the UK's [[Gordon Bennett Cup in ballooning|Gordon Bennett]] 2010 gas balloon race, which has 16 hydrogen balloons flying across Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gordonbennett2010.com |title=Welcome!, 54th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett 2010 Official Site |publisher=Gordonbennett2010.com |access-date=14 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101002183128/http://www.gordonbennett2010.com |archive-date=2 October 2010}}</ref>

In April 2012, Virgin Care commenced a five-year contract for provision of a range of health services which had previously been under the aegis of NHS Surrey, the local primary care trust.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9176733/NHS-patients-to-be-treated-by-Virgin-Care-in-500m-deal.html|title=NHS patients to be treated by Virgin Care in £500m deal|date=30 March 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403025122/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9176733/NHS-patients-to-be-treated-by-Virgin-Care-in-500m-deal.html|archive-date=3 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> By March 2015, Virgin Care was in charge of more than 230 services nationwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=89552|title=Overview – Virgin Care Ltd – NHS Choices|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402133545/http://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/Overview/DefaultView.aspx?id=89552|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2012, Branson announced plans to build an [[orbital space launch]] [[Air launch to orbit|system]], designated [[LauncherOne]].<ref name=bbc20120711>
{{cite news |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |title=Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic to launch small satellites |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18801180 |access-date=13 July 2012 |work=BBC News|date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713034917/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18801180 |archive-date=13 July 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Four [[private spaceflight|commercial]] customers have already contracted for launches and two companies are developing standardised [[satellite bus]]es optimised to the design of LauncherOne, in expectation of business opportunities created by the new ''smallsat'' launcher.<ref name=nsj20120711>
{{cite news |title=Virgin Galactic relaunches its smallsat launch business |url=http://www.newspacejournal.com/2012/07/11/virgin-galactic-relaunches-its-smallsat-launch-business/ |access-date=11 July 2012 |newspaper=NewSpace Journal |date=12 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715235055/http://www.newspacejournal.com/2012/07/11/virgin-galactic-relaunches-its-smallsat-launch-business/ |archive-date=15 July 2012 |url-status=live}}
</ref>

In August 2012, when re-tendered the [[InterCity West Coast]] franchise was awarded to [[FirstGroup]] after a competitive tender process overseen by the [[Department for Transport]]. Branson had expressed his concerns about the tender process and questioned the validity of the business plan submitted by FirstGroup. When Virgin Rail lost the contract, Branson said he was convinced the civil servants had "got their maths wrong". In October, after an investigation into the bidding process, the deal was scrapped. The [[Transport Secretary]] [[Patrick McLoughlin]] announced there were "significant technical flaws" in the process and mistakes had been made by transport staff. Virgin Rail continued to operate the West Coast line until 7 December 2019, when it was replaced by [[Avanti West Coast]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19809717|title=West Coast Main Line deal scrapped after contract flaws discovered|work=BBC News|date=3 October 2012|access-date=2 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319064711/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19809717|archive-date=19 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2014, Branson announced his investment in drone company [[3D Robotics]] stating, "It's amazing to see what a little flying object with a [[GoPro]] attached can do. Before they came along the alternative was an expensive helicopter and crew. I'm really excited about the potential 3D Robotics sees in drones. They can do a lot of good in the world, and I hope this affordable technology will give many more people the chance to see our beautiful planet from such a powerful perspective."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/richard-branson-invests-in-3d-robotics-2014-9|title=Richard Branson Explains Why He Just Invested in Drones|access-date=15 September 2014|work=Business Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919012437/http://www.businessinsider.com/richard-branson-invests-in-3d-robotics-2014-9|archive-date=19 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" food and drink-focused start-up competition. Winners were provided with mentorship from Branson, legal support, and brand counseling.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://startups.co.uk/winners-of-richard-bransons-foodpreneur-competition-announced/|title=Winners of Richard Branson's "Foodpreneur" competition announced|date=22 September 2014|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075246/https://startups.co.uk/winners-of-richard-bransons-foodpreneur-competition-announced/|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2014 winners included Proper Beans, Killer Tomato, Sweetpea Pantry and Sweet Virtues. In 2015, the competition expanded to the Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival. The 2015 winners were given the opportunity to pitch [[Target Corporation]] buyers. The 2015 winners included Pip & Nut, Double Dutch Drinks, Harry Bromptons, Cauli Rice and Mallow and Marsh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.virgin.com/entrepreneur/richard-branson-announces-2015-foodpreneur-festival-winners|title=Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur Festival whet the appetite of hundreds of food and drink entrepreneurs across the UK last Friday as the Festival brought them together for a series of insightful workshops and seminars from the industry's best and brightest|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075459/https://www.virgin.com/entrepreneur/richard-branson-announces-2015-foodpreneur-festival-winners|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2015, [[Virgin Trains East Coast]] commenced operating the InterCity East Coast franchise; the company was a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%) and Virgin Group (10%).<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-seats-more-services-and-new-trains-for-east-coast-passengers "More seats, more services and new trains for East Coast passengers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205053949/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/more-seats-more-services-and-new-trains-for-east-coast-passengers |date=5 December 2014 }} Department for Transport, 27 November 2014.</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-30222458 Stagecoach and Virgin win East Coast mainline rail franchise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128143803/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30222458 |date=28 November 2014 }} ''BBC News'' 27 November 2014</ref> Due to the line performing below VTEC's expectations, it was announced in May 2018 that the contract would be terminated early by the government. VTEC ceased operating on 23 June 2018 and operations passed to a government-owned operator, [[London North Eastern Railway]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44142258?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c9edzkwe7xrt/stagecoach&link_location=live-reporting-story|title=East Coast train line to be put into public control|date=12 February 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=16 May 2018|archive-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114150417/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44142258?intlink_from_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Ftopics%2Fc9edzkwe7xrt%2Fstagecoach&link_location=live-reporting-story|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2015, Branson announced the addition of Moskito Island to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio. This resort, The Branson Estate on Moskito Island, offers 11 bedrooms for 22 guests.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McLennan|first1=Leah|title=Inside Richard Branson's new $66,000 a night luxury island hideaway|url=http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/inside-richard-bransons-new-66000-a-night-luxury-island-hideaway/news-story/c2a9a1efd6633c2e63ea221de972e0c4|website=News.com.au|date=16 November 2015|access-date=17 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117213406/http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/inside-richard-bransons-new-66000-a-night-luxury-island-hideaway/news-story/c2a9a1efd6633c2e63ea221de972e0c4|archive-date=17 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:MMRichardBranson.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Branson and [[Argentina]]'s President [[Mauricio Macri]], 22 January 2016]]
In 2017, Virgin Group invested in [[Hyperloop One]], developing a strategic partnership between the two. Branson joined the board of directors,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fortune.com/2017/10/12/hyperloop-one-virgin-group-richard-branson/|title=Hyperloop One Is Now 'Virgin Hyperloop One' Thanks to Richard Branson's Investment|work=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]|date=12 October 2017|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013012601/http://fortune.com/2017/10/12/hyperloop-one-virgin-group-richard-branson/|archive-date=13 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and in December 2017, became its chairman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hyperloop-one.com/blog/new-chairman-new-funding-new-speed-records|title=New Chairman, New Funding, & New Speed Records|website=Hyperloop One|access-date=5 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051021/https://hyperloop-one.com/blog/new-chairman-new-funding-new-speed-records|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The announced winner of the 2017 Virgin StartUp's Foodpreneur prize was [[The Snaffling Pig Co]]., which won a six-week rental space at Intu Lakeside, the retail center with the highest foot traffic in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.virgin.com/entrepreneur/virgin-startup-reveals-virgin-foodpreneur-2017-winner|title=Virgin StartUp and Intu have named The Snaffling Pig Co as the winners of Virgin Foodpreneur 2017.|access-date=5 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706075051/https://www.virgin.com/entrepreneur/virgin-startup-reveals-virgin-foodpreneur-2017-winner|archive-date=6 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2017, Branson appeared on the Season 9 Premiere of ''[[Shark Tank]]'' as a guest investor,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/being-shark-day|title=Being a shark on shark day|access-date=6 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173829/https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/being-shark-day|archive-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> where he invested in Locker Board,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://heavy.com/news/2017/10/locker-board-skateboards-shark-tank-products-episodes-new-season-premiere-9/|title=Locker Board on 'Shark Tank': A Look Inside the Skateboard that Fits in a Locker|date=October 2017|access-date=6 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173830/https://heavy.com/news/2017/10/locker-board-skateboards-shark-tank-products-episodes-new-season-premiere-9/|archive-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> a sustainable line of [[skateboard]]s invented by 11-year-old, Carson Kropfl.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/302158|title=How an Actual Elevator Pitch Led This 12-Year-Old Entrepreneur to Appear on Shark Tank and Partner With Richard Branson|date=4 October 2017 |access-date=6 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180506173440/https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/302158|archive-date=6 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Branson told the young business man that he reminded him of himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/portable-skateboard-for-your-locker-on-shark-tank-locker_us_59d4df98e4b08c2a000ddd39|title=Portable Skateboard for Your Locker on Shark Tank – Locker Board|first=Jeremy|last=Alexander|website=[[HuffPost]] |date=4 October 2017|access-date=5 May 2018}}</ref> Branson became the richest Shark to have appeared on the show.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tellmenothing.com/2017/03/27/shark-tank-net-worth-all-sharks/|title=Shark Tank: Net Worth of All Sharks on the Show Till Date|website=Tell Me Nothing|date=27 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812081333/http://tellmenothing.com/2017/03/27/shark-tank-net-worth-all-sharks/|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2018, Branson announced the acquisition of the [[Las Vegas]] based [[Hard Rock Cafe|Hard Rock Casino-Hotel]] with plans to re-brand the property under his [[Virgin Hotels]] business.<ref>{{cite news|title=Business Mogul Richard Branson Buys Las Vegas Casino-Hotel|url=https://www.casinoreviews.co.uk/news/casino/business-mogul-richard-branson-buys-las-vegas-casino-hotel.html|website=Online-Casinos.com|first=Scott|last=Lawson|date=12 April 2018|access-date=18 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001220536/https://www.casinoreviews.co.uk/news/casino/business-mogul-richard-branson-buys-las-vegas-casino-hotel.html|archive-date=1 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Virgin Hotels Las Vegas]] opened on 25 March 2021.

In May 2018, it was announced that he would become a partner in a private equity fund that will be co-managed by Metric Capital. The fund will seek out consumer goods firms to invest in.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-43989709|title=Richard Branson to launch investment fund|date=3 May 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503224334/http://www.bbc.com/news/business-43989709|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/richard-branson-makes-his-first-move-into-private-equity-1.3482899|title=Richard Branson makes his first move into private equity|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=4 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503173534/https://www.irishtimes.com/business/financial-services/richard-branson-makes-his-first-move-into-private-equity-1.3482899|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2018, Branson took part in his fourth Virgin Strive Challenge, where he and a core team travelled more than 2,000&nbsp;km from [[Cagliari]] in [[Sardinia]] to the summit of [[Mont Blanc]] entirely under human and sail power. It was a gruelling month-long challenge where they hiked, biked and kayaked across Europe and had a near-miss on Mont Blanc when a rockfall rained down on them as they crossed the perilous [[Grand Couloir (Mont Blanc)|Gouter Couloir]]. They raised more than £1m for Holly and Sam Branson's charity Big Change, which supports young people.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sir-richard-branson-seconds-from-death-on-charity-mont-blanc-climb-11513576|title=Sir Richard Branson 'seconds from death' on charity Mont Blanc climb|publisher=Sky News|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029152028/https://news.sky.com/story/sir-richard-branson-seconds-from-death-on-charity-mont-blanc-climb-11513576|archive-date=29 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2019, Branson helped organise an international benefit concert, [[Venezuela Aid Live]], to bring worldwide attention to the [[Crisis in Venezuela|humanitarian crisis]] and raise funds for humanitarian aid. The concert took place on 22 February in [[Cúcuta]], Colombia, on the [[Colombia–Venezuela border|Venezuelan border]].

=== 2020–present: COVID-19 difficulties ===
In March 2020, during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] which saw a dramatic decline in international air travel of around 60% globally,<ref>{{cite news |last=Harvey |first=Fiona |author-link=Fiona Harvey |date=19 May 2020 |title=Lockdowns trigger dramatic fall in global carbon emissions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/19/lockdowns-trigger-dramatic-fall-global-carbon-emissions |access-date=26 May 2020 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Branson and Virgin attracted criticism by asking staff to take eight weeks' unpaid leave.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dawkins |first1=David |title=Bad Times For Billionaire Branson – Staff At Virgin Atlantic Asked To Take Unpaid Leave As Coronavirus Cripples Air Travel |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddawkins/2020/03/16/bad-times-for-billionaire-bransonstaff-at-virgin-atlantic-asked-to-take-unpaid-leave-as-coronavirus-cripples-air-travel/#4d9f5cea58ef |access-date=21 March 2020 |work=Forbes |date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321065553/https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddawkins/2020/03/16/bad-times-for-billionaire-bransonstaff-at-virgin-atlantic-asked-to-take-unpaid-leave-as-coronavirus-cripples-air-travel/#4d9f5cea58ef |archive-date=21 March 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to the global pandemic, Branson put his luxury [[Necker Island (British Virgin Islands)|Necker Island]] up as collateral for a commercial loan to save [[Virgin Atlantic]] from going bust.<ref>{{cite news|last=Read|first=Simon|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52354865|title=Branson offers Caribbean island to secure bailout|date=20 April 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420203612/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52354865|archive-date=20 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Branson said: "Over the five decades I have been in business, this is the most challenging time we have ever faced... From a business perspective, the damage to many is unprecedented and the length of the disruption remains worryingly unknown."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-branson-warns-airlines-will-collapse-without-government-cash-11975836|title=Coronavirus: Sir Richard Branson offers tropical island home to secure Virgin rescue|work=Sky News|last=Sillars|first=James|date=21 April 2020|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> On 5 May 2020, it was announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline would lay off 3000 staff, reduce the fleet size to 35 by the summer of 2022, retire the [[Boeing 747-400]]s<ref>{{cite web|title=Virgin Atlantic Leaving Gatwick, Retiring 747s, Laying Off 3,150 Staff
|url=https://onemileatatime.com/virgin-atlantic-future/|first=Ben|last=Schlappig|date=11 August 2021|website=One Mile at a Time|access-date=9 April 2024}}</ref> and would not resume operations from Gatwick following the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52542038|title=Virgin Atlantic to cut 3,000 jobs and quit Gatwick|work=BBC News|date=5 May 2020}}</ref>

On 11 July 2021, Richard Branson took a flight with [[Beth Moses]], [[Sirisha Bandla]] and [[Colin Bennett (astronaut)|Colin Bennett]] and reached edge of [[Outer space|space]] (86 kilometers or 53 miles) on a Virgin Galactic spacecraft called [[VSS Unity|VSS ''Unity'']]. This made him the first billionaire founder of a space company to travel to the edge of space.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jackie|last=Wattles|title=Everything you need to know about Richard Branson going to space|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/09/tech/richard-branson-virgin-galactic-space-flight-walkup-scn/index.html|access-date=11 July 2021|website=CNN|date=9 July 2021 }}</ref>

In October 2024, [[Virgin Money UK]] was sold to the [[Nationwide Building Society]]. Branson made £724 million from the deal, £414 million from his 14.5% shareholding and £310 million for Nationwide's use of the Virgin Money brand for up to six years.<ref name=guardian-20241127>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/nov/27/nationwide-gain-virgin-money-takeover |title=Nationwide's £2.3bn takeover gain prompts criticism of Virgin Money bosses |last=Makortoff |first=Kalyeena |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 November 2024 |access-date=28 November 2024}}</ref>