Entrepreneurs agree that shows such as The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den are changing business culture, but whether this is a change for the better remains a contentious issue, it has been claimed.
According to research by Bibby Financial Services, just 10% of entrepreneurs believe that business reality TV shows have no effect on the business landscape, and four out of 10 believe they are inspiring a new wave of would-be entrepreneurs.
The majority of owner-managers believe that business reality TV is responsible for an increase in workplace ambition, the survey claimed.
What’s more, a third of entrepreneurs praised the shows for making business more accessible to a wider range of people and raising the profile of entrepreneurialism in the UK.
However, the research also found that almost a quarter of UK entrepreneurs believe the format ‘demeans business for the sake of entertainment, in line with previous criticisms that Sir Alan Sugar’s confrontational approach was deterring young people from going it alone.
David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, said: “UK businesses are thriving and it seems that bringing the world of trade to a wider audience is acknowledged by the business community as largely a good thing.
“However, for those not lucky enough to be given a big break, getting a business off the ground can be one of the most complex, expensive and stressful challenges they will ever face.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
