Budding entrepreneurs in the UK are more prepared to consider the world of self-employment, according to a new survey.
The survey, commissioned by mobile communications giant Sony Ericsson, reveals that 18 per cent of the UK’s workforce spend over 25 hours per week thinking about new business ideas.
Results show that most business ideas are conceived while socialising, a trend that may increase as 24 hour drinking is introduced later this year.
Earlier this year the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) revealed the extent of the UK's small business market, showing that 6.3 per cent of the adult working population was involved in startups.
Enhanced media attention on the subject of setting up a business, brought about by programmes such as BBC2’s the Dragon's Den, has also had a major effect on the attitudes of budding entrepreneurs.
Ian Parkes, director at Coleman Parks, which conducted the survey, told startups: “Any exposure like this can only help entrepreneurial activity. Individuals that have had great ideas for years are taking inspiration from people who have made it.”
Technology also proved important, with 80 per cent of respondents believing that advancements in technology has allowed more room for creativity.
Such a positive attitude may come as a surprise, considering the extent of red tape that many industry experts believe has blighted the small business community, especially during 2004.
However, Parkes believes too much attention is placed upon the negatives of setting up a business.
He said: “My opinion is that many small business bodies should be embracing entrepreneurial activity rather than highlighting all the red tape. They should be mentoring young firms rather than blocking them.
“Too much emphasis on red tape could slow people down, forcing them to jog rather than run on.”
