Who provides the biggest inspiration to business people in the East of England? Is Sir Alan Sugar loved, hated or admired by our local entrepreneurs? Do the region’s business brains tune in to The Apprentice for know-how with show-how? Business Link has the answers!

The new survey has revealed that respondents believe Sir Alan Sugar is reassuring proof that hard work can achieve results. However, when asked about the most inspirational figures in the business world, he earned only second place (with 16 per cent of the vote). Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, won by a comfortable majority with 56% of respondents confirming he is their biggest business inspiration. Continuing the success of the ‘Sirs’, Bill Gates KBE (received a knighthood in 2005 but as an American citizen he is not entitled to use the title “Sir”) achieved third place in the poll.

Encouraged by the success of business moguls past, such as Anita Roddick DBE founder of The Body Shop, Henry Ford founder of the Ford Motor Company, and present, including easyJet’s Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the survey conducted by Business Link identified the motivations of the region’s entrepreneurs. In order of priority, striving to be independent, a desire to be rich and an aspiration of profitability were the dominant driving forces behind business start-ups in the East of England. With these goals in mind, perseverance came out on top as the personal attribute considered most crucial to business success.

The survey also revealed that 4 in ten respondents watched The Apprentice for enjoyment, whilst some admit to tuning in for business interest and to learn from it or Sir Alan Sugar. A fifth of the region are content with being ‘Sugar free’ and no doubt it’s the majority of these that make up the 15% who describe Sir Alan as blunt and rude!

In the same way that Sugar has spent the last twelve weeks seeking out that special something from candidates on The Apprentice, the region’s businessmen and women have their own checklist of requirements when hiring (and thankfully their selection process is a little less rigorous!). Respondents revealed that the qualities most important for candidates to possess are – in order of preference - experience, qualifications and literacy.

Brilliant or bonkers, Sir Alan Sugar’s search for his next apprentice was a journey that was watched by millions and saw Yasmina come out on top. With a 6-figure salary secured, let’s hope that success is as sweet as Sugar for Yasmina!

If you’re inspired to start your own business, would like more information about Business Link services that could help to progress your concept, including the new Business Briefings Programme, call 08457 17 16 15 or log on to: www.businesslink.gov.uk/east

Top 5s of entrepreneurs in the East of England

…most inspirational entrepreneurs

1. Sir Richard Branson - Virgin

2. Sir Alan Sugar - Amstrad

3. Bill Gates KBE – Microsoft Corporation

4. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou – easyJet

5. Anita Roddick DBE – The Body Shop

…personal attributes most crucial to business success

1. Perseverance

2. Good communication

3. Organisation / time management

4. Business expertise

5. Will power

…requirements when hiring

1. Honesty

2. Willingness to learn

3. Attention to detail

4. Experience

5. Punctuality

ABOUT BUSINESS LINK

 Business Link in the East of England provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their business  Our clients fall in to two main categories:

- Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses

- Those who want to start their own business

 Both clients groups can access independent, impartial and, in most instances, free help and support from Business Link in the form of:

- Free one-to-one help from an experienced business adviser (established businesses) or enterprise champion (start-up)

- Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people o Telephone and online support through our Information and intelligence centre

 Business Link in the East of England works with businesses and entrepreneurs in the 6 counties in the East of England: Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire

 Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency