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TV shows help to promote entrepreneurism in the UK
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TV shows help to promote entrepreneurism in the UK
Government research show that the prominent coverage of entrepreneurs on TV shows such as the Dragons' Den are helping to encourage more people to go it alone in business.
The research, published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) appears to support the view that media portrayals of enterprise are promoting more positive social values towards entrepreneurship, with 20% of non-entrepreneurs being motivated to start their own business after watching programmes such as Dragons' Den, Secret Millionaire and The Apprentice.
Survey findings
Of the 1,250 respondents to the survey, around half the sample of non-entrepreneurs thought more positively about entrepreneurs in general (58%) and were made more aware of a career as an entrepreneur (51%) through the media.
Nearly 90% of entrepreneurs surveyed thought that TV shows such as these are making people think more positively about entrepreneurs, and help encourage individuals to think about starting up their own businesses.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of all non-entrepreneurs had come across the use of the word ‘entrepreneur’ or ‘entrepreneurship’ in recent months.
Of those saying yes, just over half (54%) reported that television was where they came across the terms most often.
Almost half (45%) of non-entrepreneurs also said they had watched television programmes in the last 12 months which showed how to start or run a 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.
Media has "such an important role to play"
Commenting on the survey's findings, Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said:
“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. And I hope this trend continues.
“The Government is focused relentlessly on supporting growth across our economy. Backing and encouraging new enterprises to start up, and small businesses to grow, will deliver new jobs and transform our economy.
“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.” |
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