Member Article

Exploring the essence of entrepreneurship

The ‘If we can, you can’ campaign is examining the ‘essence’ of entrepreneurship through new research undertaken to dispel myths and stereotypes about running a business.

The survey, commissioned by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, discusses the origins and makeup of an entrepreneur using the ‘If we can, you can’ community as case studies. Results focus upon a variety of influences including school, family, characteristics and career background to evaluate different triggers of entrepreneurship.

Statistics include over 55% of respondents rating themselves as ‘average’ academically with only 33% describing themselves as ambitious, motivated and money driven.

Craig Rothwell, who owns OpenPandora Ltd, said: “Most of the time when I was growing up, I was figuring out ways to avoid going to school. I started working in the computer industry when I was about sixteen - I’m entirely self taught and have worked my up from making computer games to making computer systems. It was a bit of a bumpy ride but I loved it.”

72% of respondents had a strict upbringing and that doing chores and home work was a must, and 47% described themselves as a bit of an outsider at school.

26% of respondents said they started their business as they were fed up working for someone else, and another 26% said they didn’t have a job when they decided to go it alone.

Carol Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “Ultimately the aim of this research is to challenge preconceptions of what it takes and means to be an entrepreneur and increase the number of people within the region thinking about taking the next step with their business ideas.”

The survey follows the ‘If we can, you can’ Challenge, a competition to find the regional faces of entrepreneurship 2009, culminating with the announcement of seven winners in July. For a full list of winners and more information on the campaign, go to www.ifwecanyoucan.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .