More than half of young Britons are unable to name a single entrepreneur, according to new research that campaigners say highlights a worrying disconnect between the UK’s startup culture and the next generation.
A YouGov survey conducted for Enterprise Britain found that 56 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds could not name an entrepreneur, founder or chief executive. Among those who could, Richard Branson was the most frequently cited, named by 16 per cent of respondents in that age group.
Lord Sugar was identified by 6 per cent, while just 2 per cent mentioned Steven Bartlett, the Dragons’ Den investor and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast. Across all age groups, 33 per cent of UK adults named Branson, while 32 per cent could not name any entrepreneur at all.
The findings come as youth unemployment has climbed to its highest level in more than a decade and as the Treasury finalises a consultation on how entrepreneurs are taxed.
Enterprise Britain, a lobby group founded by business leaders including Stephen Fitzpatrick, founder of Ovo Energy, and Brent Hoberman, co-founder of Lastminute.com, has launched a campaign titled “Time to Act” urging stronger government support for entrepreneurship.
Baroness Lane Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com and a member of the group, said the term “entrepreneur” may feel remote to many people. “It has taken on a grandeur,” she said. “People think you have to build a global giant to count. Entrepreneurship can take many forms and can be economically rewarding for individuals and communities.”
The survey also found that 74 per cent of respondents believe the UK’s position in the global economy is in decline, underscoring broader concerns about growth and competitiveness.
Enterprise Britain is calling for the creation of a dedicated minister for entrepreneurship and for policies to broaden access to capital, including expanded employee share ownership schemes and greater pension fund investment in high-growth UK companies.
Fitzpatrick said: “Britain has a great economic engine. But while we have one foot on the accelerator, the other is on the brake. We need to take the brakes off so ambitious businesses can drive the country forward.”
The campaign reflects growing debate over how to foster entrepreneurial ambition at a time when economic uncertainty and rising employment costs are reshaping the labour market for younger Britons.
