A RISING star in Richard Branson’s financial empire was invited to the billionaire’s home and given a trip to Jamaica for her work at a Swindon store.

Mother-of-two Helen Forster was a guest at a tea party at his Oxfordshire home after she won Virgin Money’s EBO Stars Award. She was nominated by colleagues for the award which recognises Virgin Money staff who demonstrate excellence in the Virgin Money vision of Everyone’s Better Off.

Mrs Forster was nominated for her consistent support for her colleagues at the Swindon store and others ‘for going above and beyond what is expected’. One example was when she went to the aid of a disabled man whose mobility scooter had broken down outside the Regent Circus store and she took him into the shop and arranged for him to get home, while his buggy was returned to him on a breakdown truck.

Helen, manager of the newly refurbished Virgin Money Store, was presented with her award by Virgin Money Chief Executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia.

“It’s a real honour to win this award, and meeting Sir Richard was the icing on the cake,” said Helen.

“I was a little nervous beforehand, but actually I had a great time and he really made me feel at ease.

“I got to meet other winners from across Virgin and then to be chosen to attend the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in Jamaica was a huge surprise.”