Media coverage puts entrepreneurship in good light
The increasing coverage of entrepreneurs in the media is encouraging more people to become self-employed, according to new research published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The report, titled “Impact of Media on Entrepreneurial Intentions and Actions”, shows that programmes such as Dragon’s Den, The Apprentice and The Secret Millionaire have promoted positive social values towards entrepreneurship, with one in five non-entrepreneurs motivated to start their own business having watched such programmes.
“The media has such an important role to play in creating a positive image around entrepreneurship and starting your own business. It is very encouraging to see such a dramatic shift in recent years,” said Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk.
“We need to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, showing them the ambitions they can realise in business. The media can play a crucial role in this.”
Nearly nine out of ten established entrepreneurs surveyed also believe programmes are making people think more positively about entrepreneurs and the same proportion feel they make people want to start their own business.
The research also found an educational role being played by media portrayals, with two-fifths (40 per cent) saying programmes had shown them the practical steps to start a new business.
The research comes following comments from former Dragon’s Den star James Caan, who today told Insider that small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and finance is available for well-prepared entrepreneurs.