Trevor James Hemmings (11 June 1935 – 11 October 2021) was a British businessman and investor known for a low‑profile but expansive set of commercial interests. He held the royal honour CVO and lived much of his life on the Isle of Man. Hemmings was widely described in financial press as one of the wealthier private businessmen in the United Kingdom and was associated with several household names in leisure, retail and property profiles.

Business activities and major holdings

Hemmings built his wealth through property, leisure and strategic investments. He preferred to control assets through private companies and was not a frequent public commentator. His portfolio at various times included holiday and leisure brands, retail interests and significant stakes in other firms.

  • Pontins — the holiday park operator, acquired as part of his leisure interests; the business often featured in accounts of his investments.
  • Littlewoods — retail and catalogue assets associated with post‑war British retailing were among the better known names linked to Hemmings.
  • Blackpool Tower — a landmark entertainment property that formed part of his tourism and property holdings.
  • Equity stakes in larger companies, including a notable investment reported as around £150 million in the brewing group Scottish and Newcastle.

Involvement in horse racing

Beyond industry, Hemmings was a prominent owner and supporter of National Hunt racing. He owned and raced numerous jump horses over several decades and invested in training and stabling facilities. Among his best known horses was Hedgehunter, which won the Grand National at Aintree in 2005. He also owned other leading stayers and jumpers and was regarded as a major figure within the National Hunt community.

Honours, philanthropy and public role

Hemmings received honours that reflected his service and standing; he was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO). Though intensely private, he made philanthropic contributions to local causes and charities, often focused on community and sporting initiatives. His approach combined long‑term investment with hands‑on ownership of selected assets.

Trevor Hemmings died on 11 October 2021 at the age of 86. Obituaries and business commentaries after his death emphasized his ability to combine commercial discretion with a taste for landmark assets and top‑class racehorses. His name remains associated with the leisure properties and racing achievements he amassed over a long career.