TV chef Jamie Oliver is among a pantheon of successful entrepreneurs currently inspiring young Britons to plan their own businesses, according to new research commissioned by vocational qualifications group City & Guilds.

In a study of over a thousand 16-25 year-olds, conducted by research organisation Tickbox.net, it was discovered that some 49 per cent of those surveyed ‘have a strong desire’ to establish their own business venture at some stage in the future. Male respondents were particularly eager to one day be their own boss (63 per cent have this goal). An impressive 35 per cent of those questioned, meanwhile, said they expect to set up their own ventures within the next five years.

Jamie Oliver was among the most inspirational figures to these prospective young entrepreneurs, with Virgin boss Richard Branson, Body Shop founder Anita Roddick and Microsoft mogul Bill Gates also seen as business idols.

To Chris Humphries, City & Guilds’ director general, the results make encouraging reading for the UK economy.

‘It’s reassuring to see that many young people today are extremely ambitious,’ Humphries explains. ‘Successful entrepreneurs such as Jamie Oliver are living proof that you can be your own boss and run a successful business under the age of 30.’

For further information visit:

• www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Image courtesy of Vismedia