RBS Enterprise Tracker, in association with the Centre for Entrepreneurs 4th Quarter Research conducted by Populus on behalf of RBS
Contents. Methodology 3 Economic Confidence 4 The Pathway to Entrepreneurship 11 Helping Entrepreneurs 27 High potential individuals 38 Youth ambition for business and enterprise 51 The Gender Gap 62 Page 2
Methodology Populus interviewed 3,811 UK adults, online, between 31 tst October and 3 rd November in the latest wave of the RBS Enterprise Tracker, in association with the Centre for Entrepreneurs. Data has been weighted to be representative of the UK adult population. The RBS Enterprise Tracker surveys nationally representative samples of the UK population on a quarterly basis. The research is designed to track people s attitudes and ambitions to starting up in business. To date, fieldwork has been conducted as follows: Fieldwork wave Fieldwork dates Sample Notation Pilot Study 13th and 15th April 2,028 UK adults April Second Quarter 18th and 25th May 2,300 UK adults Q2 Third Quarter 31st August and 2nd September 2,306 UK adults Q3 Fourth Quarter 2nd and 7th November 3,665 UK adults Q4 First Quarter 8th and 10th February 2,385 UK adults Q1 Second Quarter 10th and 12 th May 2,439 UK adults Q2 Third Quarter 9 th and 11 th August 2,291 UK adults Q3 Fourth Quarter 1 st and 3 rd November 3,789 UK adults Q4 First Quarter 7 th and 9 th February 2,358 UK adults Q1 Second Quarter 2 nd and 5 th May 2,388 UK adults Q2 Third Quarter 8 th and 13 th August 2,343 UK adults Q3 Fourth Quarter 31 st October and 3 rd November 3,811 UK adults Q4 For the purposes of this research, RBS has defined young people as being between 18 30 years of age. High potential individuals are defined as being in full time employment, with a degree-level education and with a household income higher than 34,000. Since Q2 the word business has been amended throughout the questionnaire to business or enterprise. Page 3 Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For more information see www.populus.co.uk.
Economic Confidence Confidence is rising and is highest among the groups most likely to start their own business or enterprise. However, confidence in the UK economy remains far higher than personal economic confidence.
Section 1: Economic Confidence Men and young people are much more positive about the outlook for the UK economy over the next 12 months than women and all other adults. Men are also more positive than women about the economic outlook for themselves. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in the UK / in your region / for you personally? (NET: Better worse) in the UK 37% in your region for you personally 31% 26% 25% 25% 22% 16% 12% 9% 7% 4% 0% All adults All 18-30s Women Men Page 5 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108); All men (1767); All women (2044)
, -7%, -4%, -12%, 16%, 18%, 27%, 4%, 31%, 4%, 8%, 15%, 15%, 3%, 16%, 2% RBS Enterprise Tracker, in association with the Centre for Entrepreneurs Section 1: Economic Confidence Since, all groups have become more confident about the economic outlook for the country. Women have become increasingly more optimistic since about the economic climate for both their region and for themselves. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in the UK / in your region / for you personally? (NET: Better worse) in the UK 37% in your region for you personally 31% 26% 27% 22% 25% 25% 12% 13% 9% 16% 4% 7% 7% 0% All adults All adults who would like to start a business or enterprise All 18-30s Women Men Page 6 Base: All respondents (3811); All who would like to start a business (1321); All 18-30s (2108); All men (1767); All women (2044)
Section 1: Economic Confidence High potential individuals are far more bullish in their economic outlook than the average person wanting to start a business, who is, in turn, more positive than the average Briton. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in the UK / in your region / for you personally? (NET: Better worse) in the UK 45% in your region for you personally 26% 27% 32% 30% 12% 13% 7% 4% All adults All adults who would like to start a business or enterprise HPIs Page 7 Base: All respondents (3811); All who would like to start a business (1321); HPIs (319)
Section 1: Economic Confidence The South East and London are the most positive about their region s economic climate but the West Midlands and North West also display significant optimism about both the UK and regional economy. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in the UK/ in our region/ for you personally? (NET: Better-worse) 37% 30% 3% 32% 30% 29% 20% 17% 14% 14% 8% 9% 26% 24% 22% 19% 14% 10% 10% 9% 8% 7% 5% 5% 24% 23% 2% 0% 10% 27% -7% -3% -5% -7% -5% -20% South East London West Midlands North West South West Scotland Eastern East Midlands Yorkshire & Humberside Wales North East Northern Ireland In the UK In your region For you personally Page 8 Base: Scotland (322); North East (163); North West (389); Yorkshire & Humberside (358); West Midlands (333); East Midlands (257); Wales (195); Eastern (336); London (491); South East (548); South West (342); Northern Ireland (77)
Section 1: Economic Confidence Since, most regions have become more confident about their economic outlook. Northern Ireland and the North East are the only regions that continue to feel on balance more negative than positive, with Northern Ireland s view worsening. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in your region? (NET: Better-worse) 30% 17% 19% 20% 8% 17% 14% 13% 13% 10% 10% 9% 8% 7% 5% 1% 2% -12% -10% -23% -17% -7% -6% -20% South East London West Midlands North West Scotland South West Eastern East Midlands Yorkshire & Humberside Wales North East Northern Ireland In your region, In your region, Page 9 Base: Scotland (322); North East (163); North West (389); Yorkshire & Humberside (358); West Midlands (333); East Midlands (257); Wales (195); Eastern (336); London (491); South East (548); South West (342); Northern Ireland (77)
Section 1: Economic Confidence These reflections of economic confidence show little connection with the findings of market tracker PMI, which looks at changes in business output. In October, PMI found increasing output in all regions and nations, though this was the lowest growth that London had displayed in 18 months. To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in your region? (NET: Better-worse) 30% 20% 17% 14% +10 +9 +9 7% +8 8% 9% 10% 10% +7 +7 +6 +6 +5 +4 +4 2% +3-7% -20% West Midlands Wales South East Yorkshire & Humberside East Midlands Eastern North West North East Northern Ireland London Scotland South West To what extent do you think the economic climate will get better or worse over the next 12 months in your region? PMI Business Activity Index (change on previous month), October Page 10 Base: Scotland (322); North East (163); North West (389); Yorkshire & Humberside (358); West Midlands (333); East Midlands (257); Wales (195); Eastern (336); London (491); South East (548); South West (342); Northern Ireland (77)
The Pathway to Entrepreneurship A large number of would-be entrepreneurs fail to even start planning their new business, stopped by concerns about access to start-up funds and the economic climate and by their own fear of failure. Financial incentives are the most significant triggers that convince people to start business and the most important benchmark for success. However, work/life balance, greater self-determination and enjoyment all play a role especially for women.
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Almost three fifths of UK adults are in work, and 15% of these are self-employed either some or all of the time. Working status Employment status 44% 11% 4% Working 56% 82% Not working Working Self-employed Part time (employee & self-employed) Employee Page 12 Base: All (3811) Base: All in work (1196)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship However, concerns about the economic climate have shown a marked decline since : falling from more than half of the population, to a third. Conversely, the confidence that now is a good time to start a business or enterprise has risen slowly from a fifth to a quarter. What do you think are/would be the biggest barriers to starting your own business or enterprise? The current economic climate is too difficult (Total agree) Now is a good time to start your own business or enterprise (Total agree) 80% 70% 60% 53% 52% 52% 51% 51% 50% 40% 38% 39% 42% 32% 33% 33% 34% 30% 20% 10% 21% 21% 20% 22% 20% 22% 24% 24% 25% 28% 26% 23% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 The current economic climate is too difficult Now is a good time to start your own business or enterprise Page 13 Base: All respondents (3811)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Of those who are not already self-employed, a significant minority would like to start their own business or enterprise, but only 4% are in the process of doing so. Which of the following statements applies to you? 70% 60% 50% 40% 39% 41% 38% 39% 36% 38% 35% 38% 33% 36% 37% 34% 30% 20% Ambition Gap 10% 0% 5% 6% 5% 5% 6% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 4% 4% Q3 Q4 I would like to start my own business or enterprise (All) I am in the process of starting my own business or enterprise (All) Page 14 Base: All respondents except self-employed (3422)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Most of the people who would like to start their own business or enterprise fail to even begin planning that step: 82% of potential entrepreneurs admit this. 36% have an idea of what they want to do but have not yet begun developing or planning their idea. Which, if any, of the following statements regarding setting up a business or enterprise most applies to you? Armchair dreamers Potential entrepreneurs Planners Doers 46% 36% Trigger 15% 3% I do not yet have an idea for my business or enterprise I know what type of business or enterprise I want to set up but I have not looked into doing something about it Have begun business planning Business is starting All who would like to start their own business or enterprise Page 15 Base: All respondents who would like to start their own business or enterprise (1321)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Respondents who had taken steps to set up their business enterprise, and high potential individuals are significantly more likely to know people who have previously started their own business or enterprise than those who have an idea but have not tried to develop it into a business. HPIs have even greater contact with entrepreneurs 77% of them know someone who has started their own business. Do you know anyone that has personally set up a new business or enterprise? Potential entrepreneurs Planners 72% 57% Have an idea but have not looked into doing something about it Have an idea and have started doing something about it Page 16 Base: All respondents who have an idea of the business they would like to start but have done nothing (532) All respondents who have an idea and have done something about it (210); HPIs (130)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship This finding is confirmed by people who have started to set up their own business the most common triggers of entrepreneurialism included financial incentives and the benefits of being their own boss supplemented by the inspiration of a hobby. What was the trigger that inspired you to start planning or developing your new business idea? It s a way to earn money. Click the speech bubbles to see video vox pops 14% 12% 9% 8% The main motivation factor for me to start my own business is I am earning money for somebody else why not earn it for myself?.. I would be more eager to make it a more profitable than if I work for somebody else. 7% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% Financial incentive Hobby/ Interest The benefits of being my own boss Disliked previous job Being unemployed Wanted greater working flexibility Spare time Previous relevant experience Inspired by others University All who have started to set up or have a business Page 17 Base: All who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship This finding is confirmed by people who have started to set up their own business the most common triggers of entrepreneurialism included financial incentives and the benefits of being their own boss supplemented by the inspiration of a hobby. What was the trigger that inspired you to start planning or developing your new business idea? 14% I just wanted to be in control of my own ideas Being my own boss is very attractive and in control of my own hours. 12% 9% 8% 7% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% Financial incentive Hobby/ Interest The benefits of being my own boss Disliked previous job Being unemployed Wanted greater working flexibility Spare time Previous relevant experience Inspired by others University All who have started to set up or have a business Page 18 Base: All who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship This finding is confirmed by people who have started to set up their own business the most common triggers of entrepreneurialism included financial incentives and the benefits of being their own boss supplemented by the inspiration of a hobby. What was the trigger that inspired you to start planning or developing your new business idea? 14% I have a great passion for animals And I really feel a need for a personalised shopping area where you can take your animals. It s really welcome in the area that I live. 12% 9% 8% 7% 4% 4% 3% 2% 1% Financial incentive Hobby/ Interest The benefits of being my own boss Disliked previous job Being unemployed Wanted greater working flexibility Spare time Previous relevant experience Inspired by others University All who have started to set up or have a business Page 19 Base: All who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship On average, men are more likely to have been attracted by the financial possibilities, while women are more likely to have begun planning their own business to extend a hobby or escape from a job that they disliked. What was the trigger that inspired you to start planning or developing your new business idea? 16% 15% 12% 12% 9% 9% 10% 10% 6% 6% 6% 2% 3% 4% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 3% 0% 1% Financial incentive Being unemployed Hobby/ Interest The benefits of being my own boss Disliked previous job Wanted greater working flexibility Previous relevant experience All respondents who have started to set up or have a business (All male) All respondents who have started to set up or have a business (All female) University Spare time Inspired by others Lifelong dream Page 20 Base: All those who have started to set up or who have a business Male (114) Female (95)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship More than half of respondents will judge the success of their business by its financial performance. However, customer loyalty, job satisfaction, and social and community benefit are all motivating indicators too. For the business that you are planning or setting up, what would success look like? 55% 19% 16% 11% 9% 3% 3% 1% 1% Financial performance Customer Loyalty & satisfaction Job satisfaction Social & community benefit Good reputation Environmental benefit Increasing knowledge in that area Self-sufficient Don't know All respondents who have started to set up or have a business Page 21 Base: All those who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Once the respondents move from planning to setting up and starting their own business, the next phase is fairly fast, with more than half expecting to be up and running in the next year. When do you think your business will be up and running? 54% say they will be up and running with a year 25% 21% 14% 15% 14% 11% 1-3 months 3-6 months 7-12 months 13-24 months More than 24 Don't know Page 22 Base: All those who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Three quarters of those who want to set up their own business or enterprise would choose to set up a for profit business. A quarter would choose to start a social enterprise but only 5% intend to set up a charity. What type of business or enterprise would you most like to start up? 23% All wanting to start their own business or enterprise 5% 73% A social enterprise A charity A for profit business Page 23 Base: All respondents who would like to start their own business or enterprise (1321)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Those potential entrepreneurs name access to start-up funds as the biggest barrier to starting a business, followed by the economic climate. What do you think are/would be the biggest barriers to starting your own business or enterprise? I don't think I could get enough money to start up It's too risky The current economic climate is too difficult I don't think that I would be able to get a loan Need more skills Need better networks Need to test my idea It's easier to work for someone else No opportunities I am happy with my current working status Don't know/ I've never thought about it 4% 4% 13% 12% 10% 10% 28% 28% 30% 26% 30% 25% 23% 21% 21% 38% 36% 37% 41% 34% 50% 51% All who would like to start their own business or enterprise All who would choose to set up a social enterprise Page 24 Base: All respondents who would like to start their own business or enterprise (1321) All respondents who would like to start their own business & who would set up a social enterprise (344)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship Supporting themselves and their families would be the priority for UK adults when starting their own business or enterprise but attractions such as a better work/life balance, behaving ethically or being their own boss also play a role. How important would each of the following be to you in starting up your own business or enterprise? (SUM: Important) Supporting me/ my family financially 92% 94% Improving my work/life balance Behaving ethically Protecting the welfare of employees Being my own boss 84% 85% 83% 82% 78% 74% 94% 91% Behaving in an environmentally sustainable way 74% 87% Providing employment for people in my community Providing products/ services which support my community Supporting social causes that I am passionate about 60% 63% 67% 81% 82% 85% All All who would choose to set up a social enterprise Page 25 Base: All respondents (3811) All respondents who would choose to set up a social enterprise (1013)
Section 2: The Pathway to Entrepreneurship More than half of people agree that a fear of failure would prevent them from starting their own business or enterprise. Yet, two fifths feel that they have the ability and skills to set up their own business or enterprise and a third know where they could go to get more information about starting their own business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Total Agree) 56% 58% 43% 43% 34% 34% 23% 22% 19% 18% Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise I feel I have the ability and skills to set up my own business or enterprise I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise Now is a good time to start your own business or enterprise Starting your own business or enterprise is not considered a serious career goal All All who would choose to set up a social enterprise Page 26 Base: All respondents (3811) All respondents who would choose to set up a social enterprise (1013)
Helping Entrepreneurs Over half of the people who want to start business say that advice or training is more important to them than financial investment for setting up their business. But only a third of the public say that they know where to get information about starting a business. And while nearly half of would-be entrepreneurs would consult a bank for financial advice, only 12% would approach their bank for practical support.
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Just over two fifths of those wanting to set up a business or social enterprise say that the thing that would help them most would be financial investment, followed by business advice and training. What would help you most in setting up your business or enterprise? 22% ALL 35% Business advice Financial investment Business training 25% All wanting to start a social enterprise 33% 43% 42% Page 28 Base: All wanting to set up a business or enterprise (1321) Base: All wanting to set up a social enterprise (344)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Young people are the least likely group to think that they need business advice but most likely group to think that financial investment would help. High potential individuals are more likely than the rest of the population to want business advice. What would help you most in setting up your business or enterprise? All 23% 35% 24% 34% Women 42% Business advice Financial investment 42% 18-30s 28% 29% Business training 24% 34% High Potential Individuals 43% 42% Page 29 Base: All (3811) All 18-30 (2108) Base: All women (1944) All HPIs (319)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Just over a third of the population know where to get more information about starting a business or enterprise. This has remained stable over the last few years. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise (Total agree) 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 37% 36% 36% 39% 36% 41% 40% 38% 38% 36% 36% 34% 30% 20% 10% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise Page 30 Base: All respondents (3811)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Nearly half of all individuals would consult a bank for financial support when setting up a business or social enterprise. Those who would set up a social enterprise, were much less likely than other groups to talk to banks but more likely to consider asking individual investors who would be interested not only in the financial return but also in the social benefits. High potential individuals were more likely than other groups to consider friends or peer-to-peer lenders. If you were looking for support for setting up a new business or enterprise, which of the following sources would you consider for financial support? 46% 45% 33% 18% 13% 13% 11% 10% 9% 4% 8% 11% 9% 7% 7% 5% 5% 6% 4% 4% 2% 8% 5% 6% 5% 2% 3% 1% 1% 1% Banks Family Government Individual investors (not family or friends) who would be interested in social benefits as well as a financial return Page 31 Peer-to-peer lenders Individual investors (not family or friends) who would be solely looking for a financial return Other Private investment firms Friends All wanting to start a business or enterprise All who would choose to set up a social enterprise HPIs Base: All wanting to set up a business or enterprise (1321); All wanting to set up a business or enterprise who would choose to set up a social enterprise (344); All HPIs (319) Charities
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs HPIs are also more likely than average to consult friends for practical advice about setting up a business, while potential social entrepreneurs are more likely to talk to their families or to socially minded investors. If you were looking for support for setting up a new business or enterprise, which of the following sources would you consider for practical advice? 27% 23% 22% 19% 16% 15% 13% 15% 12% 10% 10% 5% 10% 8% 6% 8% 12% 8% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 5% 5% 5% 3% 3% 1% Family Government Friends Banks Other Individual investors (not family or friends) who would be interested in social benefits as well as a financial return Page 32 Private investment firms Charities Individual investors (not family or friends) who would be solely looking for a financial return All wanting to start a business or enterprise All who would choose to set up a social enterprise HPIs Base: All wanting to set up a business or enterprise (1321); All wanting to set up a business or enterprise who would choose to set up a social enterprise (344); All HPIs (319) Peer-to-peer lenders
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Over a half of all UK adults are not aware of any business or enterprise support in their area. Compared to the average, those who would like to start their own business or enterprise were only slightly more aware of the financial advice available. Compared to the average, high potential individuals are all more likely to be aware of all other types of support in their area. Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? 55% 47% 37% 26% 24% 31% 27% 25% 22% 22% 19% 20% 17% 17% 16% 17% 18% 19% 14% 15% 16% 13% 12% 13% 7% 7% 7% 5% 4% 4% 5% 3% 4% Financial advice Tax advice Start-up loans Meeting room for use/hire Business start-up workshops Grant funding Business networking events Mentoring support for 6-18 months Free office space for 6-18 months Market testing None All All who would like to start their own business or enterprise All HPIs Page 33 Base: All respondents (3811); All respondents who would like to start their own business or enterprise (1321); All HPIs (319)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs A chasm exists between the support individuals would find useful and the support that they are aware of in their local area: over half of all individuals who would like to start their own business or enterprise would find financial advice useful, yet only a quarter are aware of financial advice being available in their local area. Similarly, awareness of mentoring is incredibly low (7%) compared to almost half of potential entrepreneurs who say this would be useful (44%). Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? / Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? 59% 55% 53% 50% 48% 44% 39% 47% 33% 32% 26% 20% 19% 15% 18% 13% 17% 16% 7% 4% 5% 6% Financial advice Start-up loans Tax advice Grant funding Business start-up workshops Mentoring support for 6-18 months Free office space for 6-18 months Business networking events Market testing Meeting room for use/ hire None of the above Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? Page 34 Base: All who would like to start business or enterprise (1321)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs But this gap is considerably less for high potential individuals. Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? / Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? 31% 53% 22% 50% 27% 48% 22% 45% 19% 42% 25% 40% 40% 16% 35% 28% 19% 37% 7% 7% 4% 9% Financial advice Tax advice Start-up loans Business start-up workshops Free office space for 6-18 months Grant funding Mentoring support for 6-18 months Business networking events Market testing Meeting room for use/hire None Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? (All HPIs) Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? (All HPIs) Page 35 Base: All HPIs (319)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Women are more likely than men to think most forms of help with starting a business would be useful to them. Which of the following types of business or enterprise support are you aware of in your local area? / Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? 64% 55% 55% 55% 55% 51% 51% 49% 50% 46% 41% 48% 39% 40% 30% 35% 32% 32% 16% 17% 6% 6% Financial advice Start-up loans Tax advice Grant funding Business start-up workshops Mentoring support for 6-18 months Free office space for 6-18 months Business networking events Market testing Meeting room for use/ hire None of the above Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? (Male) Which of the following types of business or enterprise support would be useful for you in starting a business? (Female) Page 36 Base: All men would like to start business or enterprise (680); All women would like to start business or enterprise (641)
Section 3: Helping Entrepreneurs Dragons Den and the Apprentice have done more good than harm in encouraging people to start their own business: 27% of those who are planning or starting their own business say that shows like these influenced their decision to do so, but only 16% of those who do not want to start a business say they were put off by such shows. To what extent do you agree with the following statements? (Total: Agree) Programmes such as Dragons Den and the Apprentice: Have influenced my decision to start a business / Have put me off starting a business Don t want to start a business Armchair dreamers Potential entrepreneurs Planners and Doers 27% 27% 16% 19% 14% 11% Trigger 8% Do not wish to start a business I do not yet have an idea for my business or enterprise I know what type of business or enterprise I want to set up but I have not looked into doing something about it Have begun business planning or buiness is starting Have influenced my decision to start a business Have put me off having my own business Page 37 Base: All who do not want to start a business (2145); All who would like to start but no idea (581); All who would like and have an idea (531); All who would like to start and are either in the process or have started (209)
High potential individuals High potential individuals are defined as being in full time employment, with a degree-level education and with a household income higher than 34,000. This group has been identified as the most likely to start businesses.
Section 4: High Potential Individuals High potential individuals are more likely than non-hpis to want to start a business and more likely to agree that they would prefer to be self-employed, rather than being an employee (48% for HPIs, vs 40% for non-hpis). HPIs are more likely to be triggered into the planning or doing stages of setting up a business: 9% of HPIs are in these phases compared to 5% of non- HPIs. However, they are also more prevalent in the Armchair dreamer category that wants to start a business or enterprise but does not know what kind. Which, if any, of the following statements regarding setting up a business or enterprise most applies to you? Don t want to start a business Armchair dreamers Potential entrepreneurs Planners and Doers 61% 44% 19% 14% 12% 11% Trigger 9% 5% Do not wish to start a business I do not yet have an idea for my business or enterprise I know what type of business or enterprise I want to set up but I have not looked into doing something about it Have begun business planning or business is starting HPIs Non-HPIs Page 39 Base: HPIs (319); Non-HPIs (3347)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Nearly half of high potential individuals, who are not self-employed, are in the process of starting their own business or enterprise. However, the ambition gap is larger for high potential individuals, given their greater motivation to start their own business or enterprise. 100% 100% 34% 47% 4% 8% All respondents, except self-employed High potential individuals, except self-employed All I would like to start my own business or enterprise I am in the process of starting my own business or enterprise Page 40 Base: HPIs (319); Non-HPIs (3347)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals High potential individuals are slightly more likely than the general population to say they would like to set up a for profit business. What type of business or enterprise would you most like to start up? 22% 21% A social enterprise ALL 12% A charity A for profit business High potential individuals 9% 66% 70% Page 41 Base: All (3811) Base: All HPIs (319)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals High potential individuals are less worried than average about accessing start-up finances, but more aware of the risks involved in starting a business. HPIs are also considerably less likely than average to perceive the current economic climate as a barrier to entrepreneurship. What do you think are/would be the biggest barriers to starting your own business or enterprise? It's too risky I don't think I could get enough money to start up Need to test my idea Need better networks The current economic climate is too difficult I don't think that I would be able to get a loan It's easier to work for someone else Need more skills I am happy with my current working status No opportunities Don't know/ I've never thought about it 1% 4% 10% 13% 10% 19% 21% 21% 21% 25% 26% 29% 25% 24% 28% 28% 30% 38% 41% 37% 37% 50% All All HPIs who would like to start their own business or enterprise Page 42 Base: All respondents who would like to start their own business or enterprise (1321) All HPIs who would like to start their own business (129)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals A fear of failure is the primary concern that would prevent high potential individuals from starting their business or enterprise, despite the fact that they are more likely than the general population to say that they have the necessary skillset and know where they could get the relevant information in order to start up their own business or enterprise. HPIs are more likely to say that starting a business is not considered a serious career goal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Total Agree) 65% 56% 58% 43% 47% 34% 33% 29% 23% 19% Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise I feel I have the ability and skills to set up my own business or enterprise I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise Now is a good time to start your own business or enterprise Starting your own business or enterprise is not considered a serious career goal All High Potential Individuals Page 43 Base: All respondents (3811); HPIs (319)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Contact with successful entrepreneurs may well be an important trigger for starting your own business: Respondents who had taken steps to set up their business enterprise, and high potential individuals are significantly more likely to know people who have previously started their own business or enterprise than those who have an idea but have not tried to develop it into a business. Do you know anyone that has personally set up a new business or enterprise? Potential entrepreneurs Planners HPIs 72% 77% 57% Have an idea but have not looked into doing something about it Have an idea and have started doing something about it HPIs Page 44 Base: All respondents who have an idea of the business they would like to start but have done nothing (532); All respondents who have an idea and have done something about it (210); All HPIs who would like to start their own business (130)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals High potential individuals are far more likely to have friends who have previously set up a business or enterprise Do you know anyone that has personally set up a new business or enterprise? The biggest motivation for me to want to start up my own business is I ve seen my family actually do it. And it made me realise that as long as you re willing to give a lot of hard work and you have that creativity, and maybe an idea or that spark that it s possible for anybody to start their own business. 49% 31% 34% 36% 38% 23% 9% 14% Yes, a family member Yes, a friend Yes, a colleague No, none of these All who would like to start their own business or enterprise All HPIs Page 45 Base: All who would like to start a business (1321); HPIs (319)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Which is significant because almost three in ten entrepreneurs say that a friend has helped them to plan or develop their business. Which of these has helped you plan or develop your business idea? 54% 27% 20% 4% Friend Family Colleague None of these All who would like to start their own business or enterprise Page 46 Base: All those who have started to set up or who have a business (209)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Supporting themselves and their families would be the priority for high potential individuals. They also express a stronger desire than the general population to improve their work/life balance and to behave ethically. How important would each of the following be to you in starting up your own business or enterprise? (SUM: Important) Supporting me/ my family financially Behaving ethically Improving my work/life balance Protecting the welfare of employees Being my own boss Behaving in an environmentally sustainable way Providing products/ services which support my community 63% 92% 96% 83% 88% 84% 87% 82% 84% 78% 83% 74% 74% 70% Providing employment for people in my community Supporting social causes that I am passionate about 60% 67% 70% 68% All High Potential Individuals Page 47 Base: All respondents (3811); HPIs (319)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Nearly half of HPIs, slightly higher than the average, say that financial investment would help them most in setting up their own business or enterprise. Conversely, HPIs are less likely than average to say that business advice would help them most. What would help you most in setting up your business or enterprise? 22% ALL 35% Business advice Financial investment Business training 21% High potential individuals 32% 43% 47% Page 48 Base: All wanting to set up a business or enterprise (1321) Base: All HPIs wanting to set up a business or enterprise (129)
Section 4: High Potential Individuals Nearly three quarter of high potential individuals think that Dragons Den and the Apprentice have raised awareness of both entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship as a possible career path. To what extent do you agree with the following statements? (Total: Agree) Programmes such as Dragons Den and the Apprentice: Have raised awareness of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship Have increased public awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path 57% 61% 71% 70% Have damaged people's perception of entrepreneurship Undermine the importance of entrepreneurs to the UK economy and society Provide an accurate portrayal of entrepreneurs Have influenced my decision to start a business 12% 25% 33% 21% 31% 22% 28% 23% Have put me off having my own business 14% 18% All HPIs Page 49 Base: All respondents (3811); All HPIs (319)
Professional Services Food & Drink Technology Health Other Retail Leisure & Tourism Financial Education Music, Theatre and the Arts Fashion Construction Manufacturing Engineering Agriculture Don't know RBS Enterprise Tracker, in association with the Centre for Entrepreneurs Section 4: High Potential Individuals High potential individuals are more likely than all adults to say they would like to start a business in the professional services industries. In which, if any, of the following sectors would you most like to start your own business? All adults who would like to start a business or enterprise 16% 17% All HPIs 13% 7% 11% 10% 10% 9% 8% 8% 8% 4% 7% 6% 6% 6% 5% 3% 3% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 3% 2% 2% 2% 8% 0% 0 Page 50 Base: All adults who would like to start a business (1321); All HPIs(319)
Youth ambition for business and enterprise Young people are less likely than their elders to be self-employed but more likely to say they would like to start their own business. The 18-30 age group are more likely to perceive barriers to starting a business but are also more likely than other age groups to say that programmes such as Dragons Den and The Apprentice have encourage their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people are more likely than the population as a whole to be in work, but half as likely to be self-employed. All respondents: Young people: Working Status: 44% 56% Working Not working 41% 59% 11% 4% Employee 5% 5% Self-employed Employment Status: 82% Part time (employee & self-employed) 85% Page 52 Base: All (3811) All in work (1757) Base: All 18-30s (2108) All 18-30s in work (868)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people are much more likely than the population as a whole to want to start their own business, however since the end of that trend has declined. Which of the following statements applies to you? 70% 60% 50% 40% 63% 62% 39% 41% 60% 57% 58% 38% 39% 36% 53% 38% 55% 35% 60% 38% 53% 54% 49% 36% 37% 33% 47% 34% 30% 20% 10% 11% 10% 8% 9% 11% 13% 14% 11% 13% 9% 7% 5% 0% April 5% 6% 5% Q2 Q3 5% 6% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 4% Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4% Q4 I would like to start my own business or enterprise (All) I would like to start my own business or enterprise (18-30) I am in the process of starting my own business or enterprise (All) I am in the process of starting my own business or enterprise (18-30) Page 53 Base: All respondents except self-employed (3422) All 18-30s except self-employed (816)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people are more likely than the general population to want to start a social enterprise: a quarter of them would choose to do so. However, they are slightly less likely than the average to want to start up a for profit business. What type of business or enterprise would you most like to start up? 22% A social enterprise A charity 27% 66% ALL 12% A for profit business 61% 18-30s 11% Page 54 Base: All respondents (3811) Base: All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people remain more likely than the general population to consider supporting social causes about which they are passionate as important when starting a business. They are also slightly more likely than the average to think that behaving ethically and protecting the welfare of employees are important when starting their own business or enterprise. How important would each of the following be to you in starting up your own business or enterprise? (SUM: Important) Supporting me/ my family financially 92% 94% Behaving ethically Protecting the welfare of employees Improving my work/life balance Behaving in an environmentally sustainable way 83% 87% 82% 86% 84% 84% 74% 78% Being my own boss Supporting social causes that I am passionate about Providing products/ services which support my community Providing employment for people in my community 70% 60% 70% 63% 68% 67% 64% 78% All All 18-30s Page 55 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Half of young people continue to perceive the difficulty of getting enough money to start a business as the biggest barrier. A third also believe that it is easier to work for someone else, and a further third say that they need more skills. What do you think are/would be the biggest barriers to starting your own business or enterprise? I don't think I could get enough money to start up It's too risky 38% 40% 46% 51% The current economic climate is too difficult Need more skills It's easier to work for someone else Need better networks I don't think that I would be able to get a loan I am happy with my current working status Need to test my idea No opportunities Don't know/ I've never thought about it 16% 13% 11% 16% 12% 10% 22% 27% 22% 25% 22% 22% 20% 34% 37% 32% 31% 31% All All 18-30s Page 56 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Compared to the general population, young people continue to think that starting their own business is not a serious career goal. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Starting your own business is not considered a serious career goal (Total agree) 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 28% 28% 25% 25% 21% 34% 32% 27% 28% 25% 24% 22% 20% 10% 24% 23% 22% 22% 19% 25% 22% 23% 24% 22% 18% 19% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Starting your own business is not considered a serious career goal (All) Starting your own business is not considered a serious career goal (18-30s) Page 57 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Furthermore, young people are more likely than the average to agree that a fear of failure would prevent them from starting their own business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise (Total agree) 80% 70% 60% 50% 60% 65% 53% 54% 70% 67% 64% 56% 56% 57% 68% 69% 64% 60% 56% 55% 69% 65% 64% 53% 53% 53% 67% 56% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise (All) Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise (18-30s) Page 58 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people continue to be less likely than the general population to know where to go to get information about starting their own business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise (Total agree) 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 37% 36% 36% 32% 27% 28% 39% 36% 32% 33% 41% 40% 38% 38% 36% 36% 34% 39% 37% 37% 34% 33% 31% 31% 10% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise (All) I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise (18-30s) Page 59 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Two thirds of young people think that Dragons Den and the Apprentice have raised awareness of both entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship as a possible career path. To what extent do you agree with the following statements? (Total: Agree) Programmes such as Dragons Den and the Apprentice: Have raised awareness of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship 61% 69% Have increased public awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path 57% 65% Provide an accurate portrayal of entrepreneurs Have influenced my decision to start a business 12% 19% 20% 22% Have put me off having my own business 14% 17% Undermine the importance of entrepreneurs to the UK economy and society Have damaged people's perception of entrepreneurship 21% 23% 25% 28% All 18-30s Page 60 Base: All respondents (3811); All 18-30s (2108)
Retail Food & Drink Technology Leisure & Tourism Professional Services Health Music, Theatre and the Arts Education Fashion Financial Construction Manufacturing Engineering Agriculture Other Don't know RBS Enterprise Tracker, in association with the Centre for Entrepreneurs Section 5: Youth Ambition for business and enterprise Young people are more likely than all adults to say they would like to start a business in the food and drink industries. Other adults are more likely to think about starting a business in retail. In which, if any, of the following sectors would you most like to start your own business? All adults who would like to start a business or enterprise 17% All 18-30s who would like to start a business or enterprise 16% 16% 11% 12% 10% 10% 9% 6% 4% 7% 7% 8% 4% 4% 7% 3% 6% 5% 4% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 0% 10% 8% Page 61 Base: All adults who would like to start a business (1321) All 18-30s who would like to start a business (844)
The Gender Gap Women are less likely than men to want to start a business or enterprise, and less likely to choose to run their enterprise for profit. Women fear failure more than their male counterparts and are less confident in their own abilities and where they can find more information. These trends are exacerbated among young people.
Section 6: Gender Gap Men continue to be much more likely than women to want to start their own business. Moreover, since the last quarter, this trend has fallen for women. Men are also slightly more likely than women to be in the process of starting their own business. Which of the following statements applies to you? 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 41% 38% 37% 41% 35% 35% 40% 38% 39% 34% 40% 36% 36% 33% 41% 35% 36% 31% 37% 34% 39% 36% 38% 30% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 5% 5% April 6% 5% Q2 6% 3% Q3 9% 6% Q4 7% 5% Q1 9% 8% 6% 6% Q2 Q3 6% 5% Q4 8% 4% Q1 7% 5% Q2 4% 4% Q3 5% 3% Q4 I would like to start my own business (Men) I am in the process of starting my own business (Men) I would like to start my own business (Women) I am in the process of starting my own business (Women) Page 63 Base: All men except those who are self-employed (1649) All women except those who are self-employed (1773)
Section 6: Gender Gap In the last wave gender differences among young people had inverted but this wave it has once again separated, with young men more likely than their female counterparts to be in the process of starting their own business or enterprise. Which of the following statements applies to you? I am in the process of starting my own business or enterprise 20% 18% 19% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 12% 9% 16% 5% 12% 6% 11% 7% 12% 11% 15% 12% 11% 15% 8% 9% 13% 5% 8% 6% 7% 4% 2% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Men (18-30's) Women (18-30's) Page 64 Base: All men aged 18-30 except those who are self-employed (372) All women aged 18-30 except those who are self-employed (521)
Section 6: Gender Gap Women are more likely than men to want to start a social enterprise or a charity but significantly less likely to want to start a for profit business. What type of business or enterprise would you most like to start up? 18% A social enterprise 26% MEN 8% A charity WOMEN 59% 74% A for profit business 15% Page 65 Base: All men (1867) Base: All women (1944)
Section 6: Gender Gap Fear of failure is the biggest obstacle that would prevent women from starting their own business. Women are also less likely to think they have the skills and ability to start their own business To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Total agree) 60% 51% 47% 39% 39% 30% 27% 19% 20% 18% Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business I feel I have the ability and skills to set up my own business or enterprise I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business Now is a good time to start your own business Starting your own business is not considered a serious career goal Men Women Page 66 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Section 6: Gender Gap Younger women are even more likely than women of all ages to agree that fear of failure would prevent them from trying to start their own business. They are also much less likely than men to know where to get more information about starting a business. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? (Total agree) 72% 60% 49% 38% 38% 26% 29% 16% 23% 22% Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business I feel I have the ability and skills to set up my own business or enterprise I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business Now is a good time to start your own business Starting your own business is not considered a serious career goal Men 18-30 Women 18-30 Page 67 Base: All men 18-30 (372) All women 18-30 (521)
Section 6: Gender Gap Men continue to be more likely than women to say that now is a good time to start a business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Now is a good time to start your own business or enterprise (Total agree) 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 24% 18% 27% 24% 15% 15% 28% 24% 17% 17% 28% 29% 29% 19% 19% 19% 30% 21% 32% 24% 27% 27% 25% 19% 5% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Now is a good time to start your own business (Men) Now is a good time to start your own business (Women) Page 68 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Section 6: Gender Gap Women are more likely than men to admit that a fear of failure would prevent them from trying to start their own business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business or enterprise (Total agree) 70% 60% 57% 59% 59% 61% 62% 62% 61% 59% 55% 56% 56% 60% 50% 40% 49% 50% 53% 50% 53% 57% 51% 52% 51% 49% 49% 51% 30% 20% 10% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business (Men) Fear of failure would prevent me from trying to start my own business (Women) Page 69 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Section 6: Gender Gap Women are less likely than men to say that they know where to go for more information on starting their own business or enterprise. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business or enterprise (Total agree) 50% 45% 40% 42% 42% 42% 46% 41% 47% 46% 45% 45% 40% 40% 39% 35% 30% 25% 33% 30% 30% 32% 32% 36% 34% 32% 32% 33% 32% 30% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% April Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business (Men) I know where I could go to get more information about starting my own business (Women) Page 70 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Section 6: Gender Gap Women are more likely to think that securing funding is the biggest barrier to starting their own business. They also remain more concerned than men about the risks involved and the current economic climate. What do you think are/would be the biggest barriers to starting your own business or enterprise? 44% 36% 37% 39% 37% 31% 26% 27% 22% 23% 23% 21% 22% 22% 18% 14% 14% 12% 9% 13% I don't think I could get enough money to start up It's too risky The current economic climate is too difficult It's easier to work for someone else I am happy with my current working status I don't think that I would be able to get a loan Need more skills Need better networks Need to test my idea No opportunities Men Women Page 71 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Section 6: Gender Gap Women are 9% more likely than men to think that Dragons Den and the Apprentice have raised awareness of both entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship as a possible career path but are less likely to think that these programmes have damaged people s perception of entrepreneurship. To what extent do you agree with the following statements? (Total: Agree) Programmes such as Dragons Den and the Apprentice: Have raised awareness of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship Have increased public awareness of entrepreneurship as a career path 52% 56% 61% 65% Have damaged people's perception of entrepreneurship 22% 28% Undermine the importance of entrepreneurs to the UK economy and society 18% 24% Provide an accurate portrayal of entrepreneurs Have put me off having my own business Have influenced my decision to start a business 23% 21% 16% 13% 14% 11% Male Female Page 72 Base: All men (1767) All women (2044)
Lisa Mallinson RBS Sustainability T +44 [0]131 626 9958 E lisa.mallinson@rbs.co.uk David Racadio Populus T +44 [0]20 7253 3019 E dracadio@populus.co.uk Matt Smith Centre for Entrepreneurs T +44 [0]20 7148 5460 E matt@centreforentrepreneurs.org www.rbs.com/inspiringenterprise Page 73