Graham Kirkham, Baron Kirkham

Probably one of the richest local businessmen and entrepreneurs as founder and executive chairman of the family run and Carcroft-based furniture group DFS. Graham is also known for his donations to the conservative party.

Lord Kirkham founded the company 34 years ago, making furniture above a shop in Carcroft and selling it downstairs. He became a multi-millionaire when he sold almost half the business in the float. It is now worth around £450m and his stake, after selling shares over the years, is some 10 per cent.

Lord Kirkham told the Yorkshire Post "It's something that's caused me fitful sleep in the time I've been thinking about it. I've no hobby, this is my hobby – it's what I do. I'm an entrepreneur. It's almost as if I can feel the adrenaline running through my veins."

Lord Kirkham has Canadian citizenship and resides in London, Yorkshire, Geneva, NYC and Vancouver, Canada.

PARENTS Son of Tom and Elsie Kirkham

DATE OF BIRTH 14 December 1944

MARITAL DETAILS Married Pauline Fisher 1965 1 adopted Son; Sean Michael Kirkham residing in Whistler, Canada 1 duaghter; Paula Kirkham residing in Zurich, Switzerland

EDUCATED Maltby Grammar School

PROFESSION Executive Chairman, DFS Furniture Company Plc, Founded Company in 1969, Listed on UK Stock Exchange 1993

South Yorkshireman Kirkham, 59, has announced plans to take his quoted furniture chain DFS private, using £150m of his family fortune. The family retains a 9.46% stake, worth £40m, to which past share sales add £180m. It also has art and property.