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SWIFT, the renowned global financial messaging service, has recently joined forces with major banks and Chainlink, a leading web3 infrastructure provider, plans to explore the integration of public and private blockchains in the banking sector.
This collaboration, particularly Chainlink’s partnership with SWIFT, holds significant promise for the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) and its potential to revolutionize the financial industry. The Caged Beasts (BEASTS) is a cryptocurrency that is well known for its referral program. What could this collab do for this brand-new meme token on the market?
Chainlink SWIFTLY Partners Up With Financial Messaging Service
Chainlink, built on the Ethereum blockchain, is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data and external APIs. Its purpose is to securely and reliably bridge the gap between blockchains and off-chain data sources, enabling smart contracts to access real-time information. With its robust infrastructure and wide range of data oracles, Chainlink has emerged as a key player in the blockchain ecosystem.
The partnership between Chainlink and SWIFT signifies a significant step toward the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in traditional finance. By integrating public and private blockchains, SWIFT and its partner banks aim to enhance the speed, transparency, and security of financial transactions. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition of blockchain’s potential to transform legacy systems and drive innovation in the banking industry.
DeFi, an abbreviation for decentralized finance, refers to a set of financial applications and protocols built on blockchain networks. It aims to recreate traditional financial instruments and services in a decentralized and more accessible manner. DeFi eliminates intermediaries, reduces costs, and provides open access to financial services for individuals worldwide.
The prospects of DeFi are highly promising, as it has the potential to disrupt and dominate the financial industry in the near future. By leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, DeFi protocols offer various financial services such as lending, borrowing, decentralized exchanges, and yield farming. These services operate autonomously, without the need for intermediaries like banks or traditional financial institutions.
The integration of public and private blockchains in the banking sector, exemplified by the partnership between SWIFT and Chainlink, opens up new possibilities for DeFi. It enables the seamless flow of data and assets between different blockchain networks, fostering interoperability and expanding the capabilities of decentralized finance.
As DeFi continues to evolve and gain traction, it presents an exciting investment opportunity for those seeking the next big altcoins with utility and potential for explosive growth. Projects like Chainlink, with their innovative technology and strong partnerships, are well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of DeFi and shape the future of the financial industry.
Welcome To The Wild World Of The Caged Beasts
Caged Beasts is an intriguing new cryptocurrency and meme coin led by Rabbit 4001. With a unique backstory and the potential for significant returns, it appeals to investors seeking something different. By joining early, individuals can become part of a growing community that aims to reshape financial systems and unlock new possibilities.
Notably, Caged Beasts allocate a substantial 25% of their tokens for marketing efforts, demonstrating their commitment to spreading their message. The remaining tokens contribute to the currency’s liquidity. Additionally, users can generate passive income through a referral system, earning 20% on their investment and allowing others to benefit as well. Referrals can yield significant returns, with just five referrals resulting in a 100% return on investment.
Conclusion
The partnership between SWIFT and Chainlink signifies a significant milestone in the integration of public and private blockchains in the banking sector. This collaboration showcases the potential of blockchain technology, specifically Chainlink’s role as a leading web3 infrastructure provider.
With the rise of DeFi, blockchain-powered financial applications have the potential to revolutionize the traditional financial industry, offering greater accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. As investors explore the altcoin market, projects like Chainlink present an opportunity to participate in the growth and evolution of decentralized finance.
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Swift Partners Up With Chainlink For New Crypto Developments: What Could This Mean For New Token Caged Beasts?

An award-winning businessman, written off by teachers as a no-hoper, has launched a fund to  inspire and support  teenagers amongst the Grenfell community in one of London’s most deprived and beloved areas.
Jamie Fraser, who has built up a £75 million value recruitment company, is ploughing  £100,000 ‘into his Entrepreneur Fund’ to give youngsters from deprived communities a chance at creating a successful business.
The 28-year-old, who left school with four GCSEs and started his company in a tiny office with one phone, wants to create platforms and pathways to make it easier for youngsters to forge careers.
Tutors at Morley College London, which has a student base including many who have struggled with mainstream education and was revitalised from grants given after Grenfell,  invited the CEO to deliver an address to students on Tuesday.
He inspired dozens of students with his story on the eve of the Grenfell anniversary and revealed they will be able to apply to the fund to be mentored and also receive financial support for their ventures from July 1.
He told pupils:” Literally anything is possible. What stops anyone achieving anything is only down to ourselves and nothing else. I am here to give that opportunity to another young entrepreneur that has a great business idea “
The College, in North Kensington, London, is close to Grenfell Tower, which was devastated by fire in 2017. It has joined forces with the nearby Portobello Business Centre to help families rebuild their lives.
“I am a big believer in people’s hard work and determination. I am always willing to give every single individual with young talent or someone who wants to be an entrepreneur a chance to make something out of their life,” said Jamie, whose InterEx company, a staffing agency specialising in tech, cloud, cyber security, and project delivery sectors, has offices in London, New York and Miami.
“One of my goals when I launched InterEx, was to coach, mentor & train future entrepreneurs and that is something I am committed to doing in my career. I wasn’t academic so school offered me very little and there are thousands of children like me who just fall by the wayside because they don’t fit in and that is a tragic waste.”
Jamie, from Essex, had a rocky childhood and school years but was given a chance by a recruitment firm boss who gave him a job despite his lack of qualifications and experience. “Someone recognised something in me and took a chance on me. They had faith in me and that was crucial,” he added.
“That is the sort of intervention I want to make in other people’s lives – to show them that they can achieve and give them direction to make it, providing they are prepared to work hard.”
He has put up £100,000 for his Entrepreneur Fund and will interview applicants for the Fund, which will launch next month via the Portobello Business Centre website.
Morley College Programme Area Manager for English Lucy Reese said: “Many of our learners dream of becoming entrepreneurs, but sometimes lack the guidance or contacts to do so. I know it would really benefit them to hear directly from Jamie what he thinks was the secret to his success.”
Portobello Business Centre (PBC) CEO Simon Shimmens said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Morley college and Jamie, and this very generous kick off fund of 100,000 to support young entrepreneurs.
“As we know at PBC, start-up funding is often very difficult to obtain for young people with aspirations for self-employment or starting their own businesses. We support these individuals through workshops, courses and programmes, but Jamie will undoubtedly inspire young people with his own success and offers a fantastic opportunity to apply for a grant to help them realise their dreams.
“We are thrilled to partner with both Morley and Jamie to support thriving future entrepreneurs with their very own business ventures
“It is such a great opportunity, and we are so keen to be working with the college as a lot of entrepreneurs start at school, and we have previously been working with adults. You can tell from Jamie’s passion and enthusiasm that whoever benefits from his fund is going to get so much more than just the grant but receive incredible support in life. It’s all about mindset, attitude and support”
Morley Vice Principal (Student Engagement) and Centre Principal (North Kensington Centre for Skills) Craig Hanlon- Smith added:”Jamie is going to give you an inspiring talk. This college is all about what happens next, and what other opportunities are out there in the world.
“What we are doing at the college is very much a collaboration of what is happening in the world and all the opportunities we can take advantage of. It is about the future and how this local area moves forward, and what is available for people in this area.”
Read more:
Fund launched to support new entrepreneurs in Grenfell community

IKEA UK is marking a key milestone in its ambition to support refugees back into employment this World Refugee Day, as the brand celebrates the strength and resilience of 140 forcibly displaced people who have successfully completed the UPPNÅ Skills for Employment programme.
Since April 2021, the UPPNÅ scheme has provided training and an 8-week paid work experience placement to refugees in local communities, opening pathways to work by developing the skills required to gain employment, either inside or outside of the IKEA business. In 2023, 89% of UPPNÅ graduates have gone on to secure permanent roles at IKEA to date, and almost half of all participants that have completed the programme since its launch remain IKEA UK co-workers today, in retail stores and distribution centres across the UK.
Supporting IKEA’s mission to create a better everyday life for the many people, the initiative has transformed the lives of refugees throughout the UK and Ireland, and the brand is firmly on track to achieve its goal of providing 180 placements in three years (FY21-23) by the end of August. IKEA is also continuing its work to ‘Change the Narrative’ around refugees, highlighting their value to businesses, host communities and society at large by tackling common misconceptions.
IKEA works in partnership with Refugee Council Hubs across the UK to offer crucial support, advice and a place to come together for refugees. Refugees seeking support can access a range of services including CV writing, job application support, interview techniques and customer service training, as well as an introduction to the UK’s labour market.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide rose dramatically to 108 million people at the end of 2022, including 36.5 million children and that the number will continue to rise. As of November 2022, there were 231,597 refugees, 127,421 pending asylum cases and 5,483 stateless persons in the UK.
Darren Taylor, Country People and Culture Manager, at IKEA UK&IE, said: “In the UK, we’ve been working to create a positive change with and for refugees in our neighbourhoods since 2016, through a combination of local projects, donations and IKEA’s own UPPNÅ Skills for Employment programme. Opening doors for refugees to access the labour market and build a better, brighter future here in the UK has never been more important than it is today. At IKEA, we believe that refugee integration is good for both business and society, and that we have a responsibility to stand with all those in need – by improving the long-term prospects for as many refugees as possible.”
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Ikea supports 140 refugees through skills for employment programme

New research by Aston University’s Centre for Business Prosperity has shed light on the realities faced by the Midlands region concerning international trade.
The report, Midlands International Trade: State and Challenges, looked at the region’s trade performance from Q3 2019 to Q2 2022 and offers recommendations for recovery and growth.
It highlighted several factors disrupting exports across the UK, including Brexit uncertainty, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, the UK’s EU exit, reduced demand and higher costs.
In 2019, the Midlands accounted for £56 billion in exported UK goods, representing 16% of the UK’s total goods exports. However, the value of goods exports experienced a significant decline in 2020, dropping by over 10% to £45.6 billion – five times higher than the national average decline of around 2%.
Additionally, the Midlands’ services exports were severely disrupted, with a near 25% reduction in export value, making it the worst-hit region. Between 2021 and 2022, the Midlands’ rate of recovery lagged behind the UK average, resulting in a two-percentage-point reduction in the region’s share of UK exports.
Machinery and transport account for over 60% of the region’s exports, but the decline and slow recovery in this sector, particularly in the West Midlands, have negatively impacted the region.
Jun Du, a professor of economics at Aston Business School who worked on the report, said:
“We found the Midlands’ exports rely equally on EU and non-EU markets, but the decline in exports since 2020 has been more pronounced in non-EU markets.
“The East Midlands and West Midlands exhibited varying rates of recovery, with the East Midlands showing signs of bouncing back in 2022 while the West Midlands’ recovery has been weaker.
“To revive and develop exporting in the Midlands, we recommend developing Midlands export markets and trading relationships by promoting regional firm strengths, exploring growth markets, and influencing UK trade policy.
“We encourage policymakers to help SMEs explore overseas markets, develop export strategies and enhance overseas marketing capabilities by providing training, education and inspiration to Midlands entrepreneurs and business leaders regarding exports.
“There is also a need to pursue a regional industrial strategy that leverages the region’s strengths and competitiveness in emerging global markets, emphasising sustained exporting and firm productivity.”
Professor Delma Dwight, director of Midlands Engine Observatory, said:
“It’s clear that there is no one single issue that’s causing trade challenges in the Midlands, and it follows therefore that there is no one single solution.
“Neither is the exporting journey a linear one, whether that’s for large companies or SMEs.
“Supporting businesses of all sizes, wherever they are in terms of export growth, will help them predict and adapt to changing conditions.
“If we can bolster confidence across the board, over time that becomes the bedrock of a more stable recovery.”
Read more:
Midlands hit hardest in economic ‘perfect storm’

An Innovate UK-backed biotech company has achieved a pioneering biocomputer breakthrough which is accelerating the development and manufacture of cheaper drugs and vaccines.
BiologIC Technologies, inventor of the world’s first biocomputer, has developed 3D printed ‘lab-on-a-chip’ platforms – miniaturised devices that integrate multiple laboratory functions onto a single chip.
These enable faster, more efficient, and cost-effective analysis of biological samples, with applications ranging from drug testing to point-of-care diagnostics.
Thanks to Analysis for Innovators (A4I), a grant funding programme run by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, BiologIC was able to access the expertise and advanced equipment of the National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC.
As a result the Cambridge-based company has achieved a massive leap in its understanding of how the plastic materials used in 3D printing the chips interact with biological applications.
It is now able to demonstrate greater biocompatibility and stability of its ‘lab-on-a-chip’ which means pharmaceutical manufacturers and Contract, Design and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) can now speed up the work needed before developing minimum viable products, which will ultimately lead to faster time-to-market and cheaper drugs and vaccines.
Commenting on BiologIC’s experience of the A4I programme, Dr Colin Barker, Chief Scientific Officer at BiologIC Technologies, said: “Without access to the high-end analytics, and, more critically, the world class expertise at NML made possible through the A4I funding, it would likely have taken us several years to achieve the same insights.
“We’ve already taken the learning we’ve gained from the grant and applied it in real time. We have several active projects, where we have directly applied our new knowledge to improve customer outcomes. This grant directly led to an increase in our understanding, which has had an immediate impact, and greater commercial success.”
For BiologIC to support its customers in developing and manufacturing high-quality biological products, it had to first understand the chemical interactions between the 3D printed materials and biological samples.
“By the nature of them being 3D printable materials, they’re very reactive,” Barker explained. “And so, part of Biologic’s proprietary know-how is how to take those materials and treat them to make them biocompatible. But that’s a very complex, very slow process.”
But the pioneering technology company – which has been taking products to market since 2020 – did not have the funds or specific expertise required for full investigation of these interactions.
“Our customers are trying to produce advanced biology products at scale with robust reproducibility,” Barker added. “The greater understanding of our materials through the A4I grant allows us to standardise and streamline our production methodologies, delivering reproducible results at a lower cost.
“Personalised medicines by their nature don’t have economies of scale, and price tags can run into millions of pounds per patient. The BiologIC platform provides the paradigm shift in automation technologies required to enable disruptive economics and democratise access to these new therapies.”
The BiologIC platform is already generating value for advanced developers at customer sites. The BiologIC team works closely with customers to create custom configurations of its platform, addressing customer challenges including increasing yield, process robustness and scale.
Analysis for Innovators (A4I), run by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, helps businesses access cutting-edge R&D and expertise of skills and equipment at nine national measurement centres across the country. The grant funding is also extended to all or some of the project costs.
Simon Yarwood, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Industrial Technologies, A4I at Innovate UK KTN, said: “The transformation of BiologIC is yet another success story generated by A4I. It is an effective demonstration of how we empower companies to boost their productivity and their competitiveness by solving difficult technical analysis-type problems that maybe they’ve been battling with for some time.
“And we introduce them to some unique partner organisations, like NML, who have world class skills and unique facilities. That allows them to look at problems in a new way, and then help solve them.”
A4I has been running since 2016 and brings together nine national centres of excellence in measurement, tackling challenges affecting existing processes, products or services. Across nine rounds of funding, it has supported over 250 companies resulting in over £600M of benefit for those businesses, such as increased productivity and turnover, reduced waste, and the creation of new and upskilled jobs.
Read more:
Innovate UK-funded biotech company accelerates cheaper drug and vaccine manufacture after biocomputer breakthrough

MusicMagpie reported its earnings rebounded after a post-February rally helped the tech retailer shake off the impact of postal strikes and low consumer confidence.
Underlying earnings shot up 42 per cent to £2m in the second quarter, with the Stockport headquartered firm seeing pre-tax earnings rise 7.7 per cent over the entire period, dented by struggles in December and January.
MusicMagpie – an online retailer specialising in consumer tech and disc media – did however report a dip in revenue in both its key disc and consumer tech segments, down £4.8m and £4.5m respectively as it focussed “on cost control and increasing gross margins rather than growing revenues.”
Steve Oliver, chief executive officer and co-founder of MusicMagpie, said: “We are pleased with our performance in what is always the seasonally quieter half of the year for musicMagpie. It is especially gratifying to see that our profit improvement has been driven by an increased margin.”
“This has been achieved both by focusing on higher margin sales through our own musicMagpie online store, as well as the continued strong growth of our rental offering. While we remain very mindful of the current tough consumer environment, the momentum in our business as we head into H2 means that we are confident of achieving our full year expectations.”
It comes following a tough start to the year for the used-technology reseller, who said in March that Royal Mail postal strikes had dented its outlook for 2023, despite it narrowing losses.
The dispute between the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Royal Mail saw the companies’ biggest ever walk-out earlier in the year, with the further walk-outs expected.
Low consumer confidence due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and inflation also held the firm’s full year outlook back in March, however resistant demand for its consumer tech section saw customers to the that segment rise to 39,000, up from 24,000 in May 2022.
Read more:
MusicMagpie turns corner from postal strike misery with earnings boost

The United Kingdom’s landscape, characterised by its rich cultural heritage, economic dynamism, and intricate political scenarios, is once again at the forefront of international discussions.
This time, the focal point is the repercussions of the Brexit tax imposed on food imports from the European Union (EU). The consequences of this new financial burden are anticipated to ripple across the nation, affecting small businesses and consumers alike.
The Brexit tax, as it’s been colloquially named, is a new levy introduced by the UK government on food imports from the EU. Initiated by the Department for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the tax aims to recover operating costs of government-run border control posts in England. The idea of a £43 charge per consignment might seem trivial on the surface, but considering the UK’s substantial daily import volumes, it adds up to a hefty sum, inflating the already bloated costs of importing goods post-Brexit.
The Economics of the Tax
The Brexit tax comes on top of other expenses associated with food imports, such as veterinary and customs agents’ fees, and increased supply chain costs. As the tax piles up with these additional costs, the financial burden on importers escalates, pushing them towards an almost unavoidable decision – to pass on the costs to consumers.
Impact on Small Businesses
The new tax regime seems to hit the smaller players in the market hardest. Specialty food retailers such as delicatessens, which import a variety of unique items from the EU, are particularly at risk. These small businesses, with their limited resources, will find it challenging to absorb the extra costs. Consequently, they may be forced to increase their prices, potentially harming their competitive edge in the market.
The Consumer’s Plight
As small businesses grapple with the new tax, it’s the consumers who are likely to bear the brunt of these changes. The tax, in combination with other import costs, will inevitably lead to higher retail prices. The cost of living, already burdened by a 19% rise in food and drink prices over the past year, is set to increase further.
The UK government has justified the tax by citing the need to recover operating costs for the border control posts built post-Brexit. However, the timing and implementation of the tax have come under scrutiny. Critics argue that imposing a flat-rate fee, regardless of the size or scale of the import, is unfair and disproportionately impacts small businesses.
The Post-Brexit Reality
Brexit has undeniably transformed the UK’s trading landscape. Since leaving the single market and customs union, UK exporters have faced increased costs and bureaucratic hurdles when sending goods to the EU. Now, with the introduction of the import tax, UK importers are set to experience a similar fate.
The Response from Industry Experts
Leading voices in the industry have expressed their concerns over the tax. Shane Brennan, director of the Cold Chain Federation, describes the tax as “the sting in the tail of a post-Brexit food inspection regime.” He warns that the policy could contribute to the collapse of haulage operations that small businesses rely on.
Bracing for Impact
Small businesses are bracing themselves for the impact of the tax. Many are exploring alternative strategies to mitigate the potential financial blow. Unfortunately, some smaller businesses have decided to cease exporting to the EU altogether, while others have established depots within the EU to circumvent the extra costs.
Addressing the Crisis
The escalating food price crisis prompted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to convene a meeting with farmers, food producers, and leaders of some of Britain’s largest supermarkets. However, the effectiveness of these discussions remains to be seen, but it was reported that those at the meeting dubbed it as simply a ‘PR stunt.’
Conclusion
The Brexit tax on food imports signifies yet another twist in the post-Brexit saga. While the government aims to recover operational costs with this move, the repercussions on small businesses and consumers are concerning. As the UK navigates this challenging economic period, it will be crucial to monitor the evolving effects of this tax and its impact on the nation’s food industry.
Navigating the post-Brexit realities requires an understanding of the intricate economic, political, and societal factors at play. The Brexit tax, its implications, and the responses it has elicited from various stakeholders provide a fascinating insight into the UK’s dynamic post-Brexit landscape.
Read more:
The Ripple Effect of Brexit Tax on UK’s Small Businesses and Consumer Wallets

Outstanding student loans in England have surpassed £200bn for the first time – 20 years earlier than previous government forecasts, as the number of students at universities continues to outstrip expectations.
The Student Loans Company (SLC), which administers tuition and maintenance loans in England, said that the balance of government-backed loans reached £205bn in the current academic year, including £19bn worth of new loans to undergraduates. The figure has doubled in just six years. It reached more than £100bn in 2016-17 after the coalition government decided to increase undergraduate tuition fees from £3,600 a year to £9,000 in 2012.
The SLC also revealed that the average amount owed by graduating students had risen again, and now sits at just under £45,000.
Loan repayments by graduates also rose to more than £4bn in 2022-23, which the SLC said was “considerably higher” than the previous years, in part because higher inflation “may have positively affected borrower salaries”.
Loans to students in England remain far higher than those in other countries in the UK. Students in Scotland – where tuition is free for residents – have £15,400 in outstanding loans on average, while students from Wales owe £35,500 and those from Northern Ireland owe £24,500 after graduation, according to the SLC.
Government forecasts in 2013 were for outstanding student loans to reach £200bn by 2042, but England’s undergraduate population has swelled more rapidly than expected while postgraduate students have also been able to take out loans. More recent government forecasts cited by the House of Commons library are for the total to reach £460bn by the mid-2040s.
Student finances are expected to be a battleground in next year’s general election, with the government having recently revised the loans system so that lower and middle-earning graduates will have to repay a greater share.
From 2024-25, undergraduates will have to start repaying their loans when they earn £25,000, rather than the current threshold of £27,295, and will have to continue repaying for a maximum of 40 years rather than 30, when outstanding loans are written off. Interest rates will be lowered for new borrowers, which benefits high-earning graduates able to pay off their loans earlier.
The changes are expected to double the number of graduates who pay off their loans in full. But the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that they will more than treble the expected repayments for the lowest-earning 30% of graduates.
Labour has pledged to reverse the changes if elected, accusing the government of “hammering the next generation of nurses, teachers and social workers”.
While the £205bn would equate to about 8% of the UK’s public sector net debt of more than £2.5 trillion, how students loans are accounted for in the national accounts is complex. The portion of loans forecast to be repaid are treated as a loan, while the part expected to be written off is recorded as government spending at the time the loans are made.
Read more:
Student loan debt in England surpasses £200bn for first time

Sir Richard Branson’s space tourism company Virgin Galactic says it will launch its first commercial flight before the end of this month.
The firm is targeting a launch window for the flight, which is called Galactic 01, from 27 June to 30 June.
After the announcement to investors, Virgin Galactic shares jumped more than 40% in extended New York trading.
In May, Virgin Orbit – a separate space firm owned by the UK billionaire – shut down, months after a mission failed.
Virgin Galactic said the first flight will be a scientific research mission, carrying three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research.
The company said its second commercial spaceflight will follow in early August, and it expects to operate monthly spaceflights from then on.
It marks a key milestone for the 19-year-old Virgin Galactic, which has had to overcome a series of accidents and technical challenges.
Last month, Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane, which is called Unity, was back in action after a gap of almost two years.
The vehicle, with two pilots and four passengers aboard, climbed high over the New Mexico desert in the US to the edge of space – before gliding back down.
It was billed as the vehicle’s final test flight before the launch of the firm’s long-awaited debut commercial service.
Virgin Galactic has sold more than 800 tickets to people who want to ride over 80km (260,000ft) above Earth.
The flights are designed to give passengers views from space at the top of its climb and allow them a few minutes to experience weightlessness. They cost $450,000 (£352,170) per person.
While Virgin Galactic focusses on space tourism, Sir Richard also had ambitions to launch satellites with his rocket company, Virgin Orbit.
However Virgin Orbit shut down in May after the failure of a mission which had been billed as a potential milestone for UK space exploration.
Earlier in the year, the firm, which was set up to launch satellites, paused operations to try to boost its finances.
Virgin Orbit has now sold off items, including its converted jet Cosmic Girl, and most of its headquarters in California.
It has been a tumultuous period for the Virgin boss.
Sir Richard told the BBC in May that he had personally lost around £1.5bn (£1.9bn) during the pandemic after lockdowns hit his airline and leisure businesses.
“There was a time when I thought we were going to lose everything”, he said. However, he has managed to retain his billionaire status – he has a net worth of £2.4bn according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.
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Branson’s Virgin Galactic commercial space flights to start this month