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'My seven days with Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island'

Agents
James Cole
18 February 2026

Panache Cruises' chief executive James Cole took part in a Strive challenge that took him to the luxury Caribbean bolthole and saw him spend time with the renowned entrepreneur.

Sir Richard Branson and James Cole
© James Cole, Panache Cruises

Sir Richard Branson and James Cole share a mutual passion for the cruise industry

As the owner of a luxury cruise agency, I’ve had my fair share of “pinch me” moments. But last October, I had one of my best yet. Playing tennis with Sir Richard Branson on his famous Necker Island. So how did I come to be there?  

Panache Cruises, which we founded in 2020, has been lucky enough to be members of the FEBE Growth 100 for the last two years. This is a list, which Virgin now sponsors, of the fastest-growing, founder-led, privately-owned businesses in the UK.