More stories

  • in

    Who Is Lucian Grainge? Meet the Universal Music Chief connected to Drake and named the most powerful man in music

    KNOWN as the most powerful person in the music industry, Lucian Grainge is one of the biggest names when it comes to the business. Here is everything you need to know about the music mogul and what is his connection to Drake and the hip-hop circuit. CEO of Universal Music Group Lucian Grainge was named the Executive of the Decade by Billboard magazineCredit: MegaWho is Lucian Grainge?Born on February 29, 1960, Sir Lucian Charles Grainge CBE is a British record executive and the current CEO of Universal Music Group – the biggest label in the business. Having been in the music industry for more than 45 years, Billboard magazine named him the most powerful person in the music business four times. He was also named as the publication’s first-ever Executive of the Decade in 2020. A native of north London, he became a knight after Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon him the honour in 2016 – on her 90th birthday.more on showbiz Having worked his entire career in the music industry, Grainge has signed and worked with some of the biggest names including Jay Z, Elton John, Queen, Rihanna and Amy Winehouse. The music mogul has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020. What is Lucian Grainge’s net worth?Grainge’s reported net worth is said to be north of $250million. The mogul draws an annual base salary of $5 million – and typically earns $10 million in bonuses.Most read in MusicIn April 2023, Lucian was rewarded with an equity pay package that could ultimately be worth $100 million, Celebrity Net Worth reports. What is Lucian Grainge’s connection to Drake?In 2022, the Universal Musical Group under Grainge’s leadership signed an unprecedented $400million multi-faceted deal with hip-hop star Drake. It included the rapper’s song recordings, publishing, merchandise, and visual media projects.The lucrative deal was described as “LeBron-sized” by an insider, according to Variety.What did Kanye West say about Drake and Lucian Grainge?Kanye West said that Lucian is Drake’s “rich baby daddy.”In an interview with Justin Laboy on The Download podcast he premiered a remix of Metro Boomin and Future’s Like That.One of Drake’s singles from his album, For All the Dogs, is called Rich Baby Daddy.”Drake has a rich baby daddy, named Lucian [Grainge] and Universal,” West said. “He’s like, ‘My daddy got it. My daddy control the spins. My daddy got the DSPs. Drake has a rich baby daddy named Lucian.” More

  • in

    I won The Apprentice last year – the losers all make the same mistakes and I know who will win

    THE Apprentice winner Marnie Swindels believes that all the losers of the show make the same mistake – and knows who will be crowned winner tonight.This evening’s instalment of the BBC competition will see the remaining two of 18 candidates battle it out for the investment with Lord Alan Sugar.Marnie Swindels has given her opinion on the final tonightCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunMarnie was crowned winner of The Apprentice last yearCredit: PAPhil Turner and  Rachel Woolford are the last two standing.Marnie, who won the show last year, has given her insight into who she thinks is going to make it to the top spot.Speaking to Sky Casino, Marnie said: “I don’t think Phil has got to this stage for no reason.”For Lord Sugar to have forgiven so many mistakes and losses, I think he would be the front runner. Read more on The Apprentice “Although where Rachael has performed better, I think Lord Sugar trusts his gut over everything.”And I think out of those two, Lord Sugar will have more of an inclination towards Phil.”She’s also revealed why the runners-up of The Apprentice never win the show.Marnie added: “When people are submitting their business plan, they perhaps don’t have full faith that they’ll make it to the interview stage.Most read in Showbiz”I think it’s a reflection of businesses in general, so many people think they can just get started in business and that the ball will start rolling, and the answers will come. “I truly believe having a plan, writing it down, getting your ideas onto paper is the first mark of a successful business. EXC Inside Apprentice winner Joseph Valente’s stunning car history, including ‘spaceship’ Ferrari – and why he’ll never buy a supercar”I think the candidates throw in a business plan, get to that point, and then think, ‘Oh, it’s really got real now’ and I don’t think they – and I have to say this of all the candidates in all the time of all series – take their business plan serious enough.”I don’t think a lot of people in business take their business plan seriously enough, and all The Apprentice viewers get to watch it all get picked apart.” Last week The Apprentice fans claimed that BBC show is a ‘fix’ after Phil made it to the final.The unlikely candidate beat Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha into the final heat.The pie shop owner broke down in tears during the interview process and also failed to share his grasp of business numbers.Phil’s family-owned business, Turner’s Pies, dates back to the 1930s.The reality star has since built it into “a seven-figure profitable business” when he took over in 2009.Meanwhile Rachel is a boutique fitness studio owner who started her business during Covid.Speaking about her business, she said: ”Experiencing the fitness market in London, New York and LA and following the industry data that group fitness classes were in higher demand than ever, I felt Leeds was missing out on something.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The big commercial gyms weren’t delivering what consumers were looking for any more.”Consumers demanded flexibility in how to pay for their gym and variability in types of group exercise classes on offer.”Rachel could be crowned winnerCredit: BBCPhil is also in the finalCredit: BBCThe Apprentice biggest momentsTHE Apprentice has been a fan favourite ever since it burst onto the box in 2005.
    Here we take a look at five of the biggest moments over the years on the hit BBC One show.
    Tim Campbell – Former London Underground transport manager Tim Campbell won the first series of the reality show in 2005. He is now one of Lord Sugar’s aides on the show.
     Sarah Lynn and James White – For the first and only time in the show’s history, both finalists were crowned winners in 2017.
    Amy Anzel – Season 16’s fired candidate Amy Anzel was BANNED from the final celebration show, after a tit-for-tat exchange over Lord Sugar’s mocking tweets.
    Michelle Dewberry – Telecoms consultant Michelle Dewberry won the second series of the show in 2006. However, after winning a six-figure job with Lord Sugar she lasted just four months before she sensationally quit.
    Selena Waterman-Smith – We’re used to tensions running high in the boardroom, but in 2015 a disagreement between two candidates spilled over – for the first time – into a physical bust-up. Events manager Selina Waterman-Smith was given a verbal warning by show bosses for her role in an off-camera scrap with Charleine Wain. More

  • in

    Who is Simon Squibb on TikTok and what is his net worth?

    SIMON Squibb was homeless at 15, but now he’s a multi-millionaire.Here is everything you need to know about the businessman who documents his successes online. Simon has changed his life around since being broke and homelessCredit: Jack Hill/The Times, The Sunday Times.At 15 sleeping in a stairwell, similar to the one he purchased in 2023Credit: Instagram/@simonsquibbWho is Simon Squibb?Simon Squibb is a British content creator, Investor, Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of HelpBnk.He has gained a large following through his videos on TikTok.His videos vary from interviewing the public about their dreams to discussing his successes with his followers.This has resulted in the popular influencer gaining millions of views on his channel.Read More on TikTokAs of April 2024, he has over 2.6 million followers on TikTok.You can find his account under the username @simonsquibbSimon grew up in a middle-class family but his life fell apart when he was just 15 years old.His dad suffered a heart attack at home in front of him and soon after that he fell out with his mum and left home, leaving behind his three siblings.Most read in ShowbizHe told the Daily Mail: “It was a traumatic time and I left with nothing — not even a bag. I had no money, no possessions. “I begged for food and money. I slept rough in a park, then a stairwell like this. And later a squat.”Despite the hardship and heartbreak at the time, Simon now sees it in a different light.He shared: “I almost look at it as a positive time. I had a chance to discover myself.“I realised I didn’t need possessions. I went into survival mode and an entrepreneurial muscle awoke in my brain — all the important stuff that school doesn’t teach you — how to manage money, how to start a business, how to survive.”How did Simon Squibb make money?Simon was 15 when he started up his first company with his gardening firm which went on to make big bucks every year.He spent 10 years as an entrepreneur in the UK and 20 years as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong. I was sleeping in a stairwell when I was 15 and I was homeless”Simon SquibbThis is where his company Fluid was born.In 2015, Simon sold the firm to global accounting giant PWC for an eye-watering amount.He now runs HelpBnk, a networking app where start-up founders can swap tips.Over the last two decades, he has invested in over 70 startups.  His website reads: “Simon is the founder of the world’s first Help2Earn system, a platform that helps people learn how to start and scale a business for free while those that help get paid. Simon’s mission is to help 10million people start a business of their own, and fix the education system.As the businessman is known for his willingness to take risks, in August 2023, he purchased a disused four-storey stairwell similar to the one he once lived in.He shared how he planned to turn it into a rent-free office space for start-ups.Simon told The Times: “It just captured my imagination. “I thought of my first business, a gardening company, while I was sleeping in a stairwell when I was 15 and I was homeless. “I kind of think this is the height of craziness when a staircase is now being sold off. “The worst outcome will be that we just make this our walk-in office, where we can meet people and they can tell us their dreams.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat is Simon Squibb’s net worth?Simon has an estimated net worth of £510 million.He owns a Lamborghini Diablo VT which is worth £300k. More

  • in

    Tom Cruise sprints through the streets covered in blood as Mission Impossible 8 filming shuts down central London

    TOM Cruise is back in business as Ethan Hunt – but judging by his bloodsoaked clothes things aren’t quite going his way. Mission Impossible 8 is currently filming in the city, and the team brought a large part of Central London to a standstill to shoot the latest scenes. Tom Cruise was seen rushing over Westminster Bridge to film the intense scenesCredit: Click News and MediaThe stunt-loving actor was seen with his shirt covered in bloodCredit: Click News and MediaThe star was later seen laughing with a crew member as they reset the shotCredit: Click News and MediaIn exclusive photos from the set, Cruise was seen running over Westminster Bridge with his shirt covered in blood. With army and police officers on his tail, his character Ethan looked to be straight out of luck as he made his way through barricades and to safety. Looking panicked and in a hurry, Cruise was seen bolting over the bridge to try and get away from those chasing him. The shoot also saw Whitehall and Parliament Square being shut down. READ MORE TOM CRUISEThe Mission Impossible team have been filming at Surrey’s Longcross Studios as well as on location since the beginning of March. Determined to stick to schedule by any means necessary, at one point Cruise forked out for the entire cast and crew to be flown to set by helicopters after the M25 shut down. Little is known about what will happen in the eighth instalment of the series – only that it will follow on from Dead Reckoning, which was released last year. Originally titled Dead Reckoning: Part Two, the new film has since dropped being considered a second part and will instead go by its own name. Most read in FilmReasons for this are unknown but rumours have varied from the film going in a completely different direction to what was initially planned, to the name being scrapped due to Part One’s lacklustre success at the box office. Starring alongside Hayley Atwell, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby and Simon Pegg among others, Dead Reckoning went on to get two Oscar nominations for sound and visual effects. However, despite raking in $565.8million worldwide at the box office, Dead Reckoning failed to meet the necessary returns to break even from its $291million budget. On average, taking into account promotional costs etc, a film needs to make 2.5x its budget in order to be considered a financial success. This was hindered slightly by the global phenomenon of Barbenheimer (the release date of Barbie and Oppenheimer) which came just two weeks after Dead Reckoning’s, causing a drop off in potential sales. Currently, the as-yet-untitled Mission Impossible 8 is scheduled to be released on May 23, 2025 after a string of pushbacks due to the pandemic and last year’s SAG-AFTRA strikes. It was initially meant to be ready for release in August 2022, before being delayed to November 2022, July 2023 and June 2024. Shooting the scenes multiple times, notorious perfectionist Cruise wanted to ensure the right shotCredit: Click News and MediaPolice and army are after the special agent in the new scenesCredit: Click News and MediaWestminster Bridge and Parliament Square were both shut downCredit: Click News and MediaThe actor was seen recovering after shooting the scene multiple timesCredit: Click News and MediaDead Reckoning’s follow up will be released in 2025Credit: Click News and MediaActors in Army gear were seen around the setCredit: Click News and MediaHis bloodsoaked shirt hints at big trouble to come for Ethan HuntCredit: Click News and MediaThe flash of Ethan’s bare chest suggests the blood isn’t meant to be hisCredit: Click News and Media More

  • in

    Who is Kika Osunde? London hairdresser rumoured to be dating Anthony Joshua

    BOXER Anthony Joshua might officially be off the market.The athlete has been enjoying a string of dates with a London hairdresser, but who is she?Anthony Joshua and Kika Osunde have been pictured together several timesIs Kika Osunde dating Anthony Joshua?Kika Osunde and Anthony Joshua have been spotted together on more than one occasion. The pair are yet to confirm their romance but it looks like they’re getting cosy.They have been pictured together in Dubai as they enjoyed some spring sun together and looked closer than ever as they went quad biking in the desert.A source said: “They looked very cosy and like they were having fun with each other.”Read more on showbizWho is Kika Osunde?Kika is a hairdresser and entrepreneur who runs her own salon in West London.She’s no stranger to social media fame as her page boasts hundreds of thousands of followers.She previously said: “I’m all about seeing people live their best lives each and every day and in that we become united in our dreams and aspirations — all day every day.”Born in North West London, Kika achieved a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from University College Birmingham.Most read in ShowbizAccording to Creebhills, the 36-year-old has an estimated net worth of £4million.Kika’s website says: “The vivacious businesswoman is well-known for her authenticity, sharp business skills and enthusiasm for fashion, beauty and luxury living. “On top of these traits, Kika’s go-getting, optimistic energy elevates other women, encouraging them to achieve their goals. “Kika’s positivity spreads throughout all areas of her work. “In just over a decade, she’s built herself a successful business empire. “She’s the co-founder of two flourishing businesses: @GoodHairLTD and @BrassAndCopperOfficial.”Kika is a successful entrepreneurCredit: InstagramWhen did Anthony Joshua and Kika Osunde start dating?It’s not exactly known when Kika and AJ started dating, but they have been spending plenty of time with each other since his win over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.Seconds after his KO, AJ rushed over to Kika for a ringside cuddle and kiss.He said: “How are you Kika? I haven’t seen you in so long! How are you?”She replied: “Congratulations. I’m good.”Who has Anthony Joshua dated in the past?Anthony has dated some other celebrities in the past and also has a son, JJ, eight, with ex Nicole Osbourne.He has been linked to models Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite the relationship rumours, a spokesman for AJ said: “Anthony is in a relationship . . . with professional boxing. He has no time for extra commitments.“He is having a break from boxing and will return to the gym this week. Sadly the claims of a relationship are just rumours.” More

  • in

    DJ Gianluca Vacchi reveals exciting new career move

    HE’S the businessman who took social media by storm under the guise of the The Money King – and recently made over £630million from selling his part of his family company.And after signing his first record deal with Spinnin’ Records back in 2018, Gianluca Vacchi has now started his own music business.
    Gianluca Vacchi, also known as The Money King, has launched an exciting new business
    In an exclusive chat, the Italian DJ said: “My passion for music is more alive than ever, and I’ll continue to immerse myself in this world with a lot of enthusiasm.
    “I’m working on lots of new music and I’ve even launched a new record label Mundo Paralelo.
    “Over the past years I’ve collaborated with so many amazing artists like Becky G and Luis Fonsi.
    “Now I’m more focused on my new label, Mundo Paralelo, through which we aim to connect with young and cool Latin and Afro artists creating groovy music from around the world.”
    read more on gianluca vacchi
    His business plans mean Gianluca won’t be back playing Ibiza this summer but during our chat, Gianluca admits he’s taken pride in the legacy he left there.
    Gianluca added: “I was among the first to introduce Latin music to Ibiza when it wasn’t considered as cool as today. Now, the entire music world is taking notice. Even though there are opportunities to return to Ibiza this summer, my current priority is to focus on my label and my music production.
    “I’ll never forget the events I played and hosted on the island. Some of the best Latin artists came out to join me on stage, and you could really feel the island wanted more.”
    Last year Ginluca sold part of his family business – raking in a massive fortune.
    Most read in Bizarre
    Opening up about the move, he explained: “The decision to sell comes after a long journey during which my cousin and I witnessed the company’s growth and its ascent to leadership in various sectors of the packaging machinery industry.
    “I perceive this as the completion of a phase in my life with the company, and I’m excited for new experiences.
    “This move was necessary for me because, at a certain point after a lengthy partnership with your family, you feel the urge to carve out your own path, though we still maintain a strong relationship.
    “Letting go of the company isn’t easy, but the enthusiasm for embarking on a new phase in my entrepreneurial career outweighs any hesitation. There comes a time when you want to release what you’ve built and explore new horizons.
    “I joined when the company had a turnover of $80 million, and together, we propelled it to nearly $2.8 billion. Selling my stake for more than $800 million, marks the end of a chapter that I can reflect on with satisfaction.”
    The businessman recently sold his stake in his family company for over £630million More

  • in

    I dropped out of school at 16 and now I run a Soho hair brand that celebs helped me build

    AN entrepreneur who left school with no qualifications has told how he built a top hair brand from scratch – with the help of celebs who believed in him and his idea.Even as a teenager Ricky Walters knew that he wanted to be his own boss and feel “a sense of accomplishment” at work.
    Ricky Walters is an entrepreneur who left school with no qualifications
    Ricky is now a sought-after hairdresser for London’s elite at his Soho-based salon, SALON64
    His calling soon came as a hairdresser, and he now styles the hair for some of London’s most famous faces in his Soho based business SALON64.
    Ex-EastEnders actress Rose Ayling Ellis, TV presenter Laura Whitmore and football manager Gary Neville are among the many stars spotted on his social media.
    Aside from taking his hairdressing very seriously, how did this serial entrepreneur build a recognised brand in what is already a saturated market place?
    He told The Sun: “Although I had a great time at school I actually achieved very little.
    More on SALON64
    “The shock of entering the real world at 16 with no qualifications partnered with my love of the idea of earning my own income was a wake-up call.
    “I completed my training in a Mayfair hair salon first, and then moved to a likeminded competitor to start building a client base.
    “So I was cutting hair within a five star London hotel, rubbing shoulders with plenty of people of influence, HNWI (High-net-worth individual) and celebrities.
    At 25 and full of bravado, Ricky took a leap of faith in those clients who he had become to call friends.
    Most read in Showbiz
    He said: “I decided to pitch to the clientele I had been building up over the last 5 years, with the idea of investing in SALON64.
    “A year later when turning 26 I was also turning the key into my own Soho salon.”
    SALON64 is now 6 years old with a huge passion and community at its core.
    He said: “Our latest innovation is CLUB64. A private members club side of the business founded by its members/ clients who simply loved hanging out in our space.
    “I would love to see the 64 brand take over this industry with the same success it’s had in the hair industry.”
    Making his business stand out from the rest was key.
    In his twenties and bursting with new ideas, Ricky decided to focus on his youth and unique value, exceptional customer service, innovative products and effective branding, as well as cultivating a strong online presence.
    He said: “Salons had been the same for years! If you stopped 100 people on the street and asked them to draw a hair salon they would all scribble the same image. Mirror, chair, mirror, chair … boring!It was time to spice things up.
    “We listened to what clients were craving and answered these questions.
    “A full cocktail bar located within the salon for the ultimate pre drinks, seats all facing around a fire pit, a space that can change from looking like a salon to looking like a private members club in the blink of an eye.
    “It was seen as the new kid on the block, but SALON64 was also becoming famous for doing things completely differently.”
    Working with people across the fashion, stage and screen worlds, Ricky quickly understood that there was potential to grow his brand – as the spotlight is always shining on the celebrity’s hair.
    He said: “When you style the hair for the same famous faces over and over they not only become your friends but you also become hugely invested in their careers and successes.
    “Weather an actress winning a BAFTA or a stand up comedian hosting the awards their hairdresser is never usually far away, behind the camera and lurking off the set, always full of pride.
    “They have seen their client grow and been lucky enough to grow alongside them.
    “And as our range expanded I found our clients have done most of the advertising for us by recommending products to friends and family and showing them off in their bathrooms.
    “Our trademark “Mirror glass ripple effect” is seen on heads of hair across our social page and when asked how we achieve such results we simply point to our shampoo and conditioner, as this is how incredible hair is born.”
    We can’t leave without asking Ricky his favourite hairstyles of the moment.
    He said: “The Shag, The Wolf Cut, The Modern Mullet. Call it whatever you like I am loving collar bone length hair with tons of layers, diffused to bring out natural movement and curl I think its gives the hair plenty of eye catching attitude.”
    And his favourite day in the salon? Ricky told us: “I am fortunate enough to have plenty of really memorable days.
    Read more on The Sun
    “Whether shooting for Vogue or on set of a favourite tv show.
    “However I still find walking around a packed SALON64 specially round Christmas time with every single chair in the building taken on both floors does still fill me with a sense of accomplishment. Seeing our clients enjoying the space exactly as it was intended.”
    Laura Whitmore previously graced SALON64
    Rose Ayling Ellis also visited the salon
    Ricky said that making his business stand out was key
    A full cocktail bar is located within the salon
    Ricky’s early training in a Mayfair salon laid the foundation for his later success, as he built a client base within a prestigious London hotel More

  • in

    Dragon’s Den winner ‘knocked his 7 months pregnant girlfriend unconscious with punch to the face’ 

    A DRAGON’S Den winner knocked his pregnant girlfriend unconscious after punching her in the face, a court has heard.Ross Mendham, 40, won a £60,000 investment on the BBC show after the Dragons took a liking to his noodle and pasta business in 2013.
    Ross Mendham has appeared at Norwich Crown CourtCredit: instagram/@rossmendham5
    He appeared on the BBC show in 2013Credit: BBC
    Mendham is accused of knocking his girlfriend unconsciousCredit: instagram/@rossmendham5
    But he is now accused of punching his partner, who was 32 weeks pregnant at the time, in the face on December 2 last year.
    Mendham, of Cringleford, Norfolk, denied assault causing actual bodily harm as he appeared at Norwich Crown Court via video link from prison today.
    He spoke only to confirm his name and enter his plea during a short hearing today.
    The businessman was remanded in custody to appear at the same court for trial on June 5 later this year.
    Read more showbiz
    Mendham, who has tattoos on his face and neck and wore a sandy-coloured jumper for his court appearance, is the son of former Norwich City footballer Peter Mendham.
    The ex-bodybuilder received an investment from Peter Jones for his Bare Naked Foods business – which makes low calorie and low carbohydrate pasta, rice and noodles from konjac plants.
    His products have been on the shelves of several supermarkets including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.
    Mendham also launched a fashion brand called God of Design (GOD) that upcycles vintage and designer clothing in 2022.
    Most read in ShowbizHow you can get helpWomen’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:

    Always keep your phone nearby.
    Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
    If you are in danger, call 999.
    Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
    Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
    If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
    Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.

    If you are a ­victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support ­service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
    Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
    You can also call the freephone 24-hour ­National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

    Mendham won an investment for his pasta and noodle companyCredit: Linkedin
    Mendham will face trial later this yearCredit: instagram/@rossmendham5 More