Five Inspiring British Entrepreneurs

All budding Entrepreneurs need someone to look up to and who better to admire than these five prominent Business Magnates?

SIMON COWELL-We all know Mr. Cowell from his TV hits X Factor and American Idol but life hasn't always been so good for him. having acheived some success in the music business Simon lost it all in his early thirties and had to move back in with his mother. Some would have given up at this stage and settled for a life of mediocrity, not Simon Cowell. Through hard work, self belief and determination Simon has reached the top through the success of his Syco TV and Music businesses which contribute to a net worth of around $200million.

MICHELLE MONE-The Glaswegian founder of the ubiquitous 'Ultimo'  lingerie brand is estimated to be worth around £55million. Michelle has successfully juggled the stresses of motherhood and business and shows us that it is possible to,'have it all'.

SIR PHILLIP GREEN-So how did this boy from Croydon amass a fortune worth in excess of £4.3 billion? The answer-Retailing. Sir Phillip's Arcadia group includes high street brands such as 'Topshop' and 'BHS'. Green started in business by importing Jeans from the Far East to sell to UK retailers. Evidence of his genius was illustrated in his decision to purchase several designer labels for rock bottom prices from brands going into administration. The young Entrepreneur then had the clothes dry cleaned, placed on hangers, then wrapped in polythene to appeal to consumers. You don't do as well as this man has without being a shrewd operator.

MIKE ASHLEY-The current owner of Newcastle Football Club has made a fortune from Sports retailing. Sports Direct International has been a success as a result of Ashley's strategy of buying failing brands for bargain prices and then selling them in his Sports Direct Stores. Donnay, Kangol, Dunlop are just a few of the brands the retailing mastermind has snapped up to corner the Sportswear market in the United Kingdom. There are £1.268billion reasons to take note of the Business nous this man has.



CHARLES DUNSTONE- Telecommunications dealings have earned Charles a net worth of £1billion. Starting with £6000 worth of savings, Charles has built up Carphone Warehouse into the major player it is today. The success of Carphone Warehouse show that huge borrowings or huge investments are not necessary to generate wealth.

Jim Rohn Money Quote

'Formal education will make you a living;self-education will make you a fortune.'

What cars do successful business people drive?

You're on the way to the top,your entrepreneurial endeavours are finally paying off and now you want to enjoy the fruits of your labours. The question is how will you get around? Will you drive or be driven? Lets look at your options:



MERCEDES S-CLASS- The car of choice of many a successful executive. Spacious, imposing, littered with comforting gadgets and equally comfortable in the driver's seat or in the back.



BMW 7-SERIES-One of the most intimidating sights on the road. Big, bold and worthy of respect, this business tank will show the business world that you literally mean business.



MASSERATI QAUATTROPORTE-Exuding Italian style, this classy four seater is known for its unparalleled driving credentials, powerful choice of engines and sumptuous interior furnishings.



AUDI A8-Another executive no brainer. Technologically advanced, excellent build quality, sleek lines and some of the best engines around.



PORSCHE PANAMERA-Four seater supercar incorporating the unmistakable Porsche DNA along with comfort, gadgets and practicality.



ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD COUPE-My personal favourite. No car combines sartorial elegance and brutal speed better. You've worked hard, why shouldn't you cruise around in the comfort your hard graft deserves? If you prefer to be driven you can choose from the entry level ROLLS ROYCE GHOST and the flagship ROLLS ROYCE PHANTOM.



ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE-The car James Bond would travel to the boardroom in. If any car personifies taste, class and success better, I haven't seen it yet!



FERARRI 599 GTO-Who needs a chauffeur? One of the best driving cars on the market. Extravagant chassis, one of the best engine sounds around and an unrivalled driving position. Is there any point in discussing further options?




LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO-Fast, edgy and impressive. Do you need any further motivation to generate profits?


MAYBACH 62-The imperious Maybach is known for having the best interior of all chauffeur driven limousines. Some think it resembles a glorified S-Class, a sentiment I share to sum degree. Having been in one of these cars, I can say categorically that no car has more luxurious gadgets, legroom and 'office on the move' credentials than this business premises on wheels!

Is it a good time to start a business?

The economic outlook  has been gloomy for a while. Banks are not lending, big companies are experiencing difficulties and consumer confidence is in decline. Why would someone want to begin trading in this environment? Well, recessionary climates have produced some of the best firms. Microsoft, Bill Gate's innovative creation was founded in a downturn, as was Amstrad, Lord Sugar's revolutionary electronics company. If you feel the need to go it alone, do not be deterred by externalities. The biggest factor in defining the success of a company boils down to the internal running of the firm. Is there a demand for your product or service? Does your product or service satisfy this demand effectively? If the answers to these two questions are yes, you should not be put off by negative media portrayals of the marketplace, believe in yourself, believe in your idea.

Another way of looking at the market is to appreciate that if you can survive in a downturn, you will most likely have what it takes to prosper in a boom. Admittedly the lending issue is a massive hurdle particularly if your business requires the purchase or leasing of property, but why not try launching your idea online and then adding premises when things improve? 'Necessity is the mother of invention', if you want success badly enough, nothing will stand in your way!

How can a small enterprise (SME) generate more business?

As a result of the precarious economic situation, many people are starting small businesses as an alternative to paid employment. A new business faces many challenges which must be overcome if survival in the first year is to be achieved. A business owner could consider the following activities to drum up some custom:

1) Engage in social networking. Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin are just 3 of the may internet based advertising tools a business person can use to get to potential customers. The social networks have huge reach and cost you nothing to join,almost sounds too good to be true!

2) Start leaflet distribution. All you need is a printer, ink and paper! Make your message clear, bold and professional. include an introductory offer to entice interest.

3) Get on the phones! This is particularly useful for service based businesses. A Real Estate Broker can contact private sellers in the local classifieds, a hotel can call local businesses in the directory,offering hospitality services to executives, etc.

4) Hold an open day. Advertise the event via leaflet distribution and the local press. Prepare some nibbles and drinks and offer a special fee rate to attract thrifty consumers!

5) Create an 'email tout' aimed at past customers. Maybe they have received a better offer or just forgotten you, repeat business is often the easiest to secure.

6)  Offer incentives for introductions from existing customers encouraging advertising via 'word of mouth'.

7) Print new business cards. You can only make a first impression once, so ensure you look the part with a stylish, impressive format.

8) Utilise Supermarket noticeboards. Do not be shy! Many people check these boards before or after their weekly shop. Any opportunity to grab a potential customer's eye must be taken.

9) Approach Local Press for an interview. There is no better way to introduce yourself to a local market and create a 'buzz' in the local community.

10) Offer the best service you can offer to every client. A positive reputation forms the basis for a prosperous future.

Do you need a degree to succeed in business?

Many successful people have amassed fortunes without ever stepping foot in a University or College. The merits of a degree are focused on helping students find employment, rather than launching ventures. Many people without first class degrees or upper seconds in an academic discipline, find that the best jobs are unavailable to them due to stringent entry requirements, forcing them into an entrepreneurial mindset.

In many ways qualifications can strangely discourage one from taking the risk of going it alone, as there are many more stable, risk free openings available in the world of employment. The list of prosperous wealthy Businessmen without a further education background is impressive: Richard Branson (Virgin), Alan Sugar (Amstrad), Duncan Bannatyne (Bannatyne's Healthclubs), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Theo Paphitis (Ryman Stationers), James Caan (Hamilton Bradshaw Private Equity, Henry Ford (Ford Motoring), John D. Rockefeller Snr (Standard Oil), Sir Phillip Green (Arcadia Retail Grioup), Simon Cowell (Syco Music). It would appear that all one needs is the confidence, drive, ambition, energy, enthusiasm, common sense and strength of will to press on in the face of adversity.

Let me make it clear that many people have also succeeded in the corporate world having earned a well respected degree: Donald Trump (Trump Organization), has often sung the praises of further education and has attributed much of his intellect to his schooling. Many entrepreneurs that specialise in technology or medical disciplines, could not have come up with their ideas without a College background. Sir James Dyson (Dyson Electronics) has championed  technical design knowledge by setting up a foundation at Loughborough University for aspiring engineers.

It is pretty clear that those who have what it takes to set up a venture, will do so regardless of whether they have a further education qualification or not.

jim Rohn Quote

'Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion.'