Brighton – famous for its pier, sticks of rock and pebbly beach. But were you aware that it’s also the UK entrepreneurial hotspot?
A new report on entrepreneurship by Orange Business Services, found that a bigger proportion of Brighton residents are planning a business than anywhere else in the UK – 12% against the national average of 8%.
An impressive 50% of the adult population in the seaside town have thought about setting up their own venture, beating London, Edinburgh and Birmingham which follow close behind in the entrepreneurial spirit league table.
Languishing at the bottom of the league are Glasgow, Norwich, Cardiff and Plymouth where the least number of people have considered starting a business.
Despite the healthy start-up aspirations in many of the country’s towns and cities, it appears us Brits still have our reservations about going it alone. Half of those who have considered starting a company say they’re too scared to actually make that jump.
Possible reasons for our apprehensive budding entrepreneurs? Well, 34% are thinking with their hearts – with fears that running a business would have a negative impact on their love life. A further 33% think it would damage sleep quality.
One excuse however, proves a tad more amusing, and a little worrying too. A third of angst-ridden potential business owners think starting a business would make them more aggressive and merciless.
Come on people! Do you honestly believe becoming your own boss will turn you into Dr Evil?
