TV shows are inspiring entrepreneurism in the UK

Date: 15th March 2011

A growing number of people in the UK are being inspired by TV shows to start their own small business.

That is according to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), which said the rising profile of entrepreneurship in the media is helping persuade more people to go it alone.

Research published by the department has shown that one in five non-entrepreneurs are inspired to start their own small business after watching programmes like Dragon's Den, The Secret Millionaire and The Apprentice.

The study also showed that 90 per cent of established entrepreneurs believe that such shows are having a positive effect.

Business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk said: "The media has such an important role to play in creating a positive image around entrepreneurship and starting your own business. It is very encouraging to see such a dramatic shift in recent years. And I hope this trend continues.

"The government is focused relentlessly on supporting growth across our economy. Backing and encouraging new enterprises to start up, and small businesses to grow, will deliver new jobs and transform our economy."

Posted by Emily Smith