Sir Alan: For better or for worse?

Since Suralan appointment to enterprise tsar a few weeks ago the press has been in a bit of frenzy, but I want to know what you think about his appointment? Do you think that Sir Alan is good for enterprise? And what do you think he could add to the existing entrepreneurial landscape?

Make Your Mark.....

....sure can help with funding! Check out our Money (money money, dum dum, must be funny, in a rich man's world!) section for more info.

Suralan

Hey I know what you mean Emma, it doesn't do much for the Del Boy wheeler dealer image of being an entrepreneur!

hmmmm

as a non fan of the apprentice maybe i am not best placed to offer my views on suralan, but as a newbie it just seems a bit baffling that GoBro should appoint someone who is erring more towards being a celeb-preneneur. He is instantly recognisable by the public i guess, and will no doubt raise the profile of enterprise but i cant help thinking that his aggressive super macho image might alienate people who dont identify with this and as a result end up thinking that setting up a business is not for them? Isnt there a friendlier face of enterprise?!

Does Alan Sugar represent

Does Alan Sugar represent the face of enterprise? I don’t think so. I’m more biased towards the Dragons (Den), who support more budding entrepreneurs than Alan Sugar does. What do you guys think about Dragon’s Den?

dragonphobia

whilst Dragons Den is good TV, I actually find it excrutiating to watch! the whole pitching process infront of four scary dragons, particularly when said dragons tear an idea apart, is pure car crash TV. watching someone’s dream (even an ill thought out one) crumble before your eyes is hard to watch! is starting your own business really so terrifying?!

The bottom line is that

The bottom line is that people go in front of them for one main reason, and that is FUNDING. If they would have managed to find a different source, I’m sure they would have chosen an easier option, like having a lovely chat with the Bank Manager :) These are hard times, and funding for a great idea is hard to come by. :(

That being said, all is not doom and gloom, and there are many Government grants and local schemes and Make Your Mark may be of assistance providing information on those :)

I disagree Andie, people go

I disagree Andie, people go on Dragon's Den for one reason - PUBLICITY.

And they're even playing up to it by only investing in companies that are market ready - who have patents, and the ability to mass produce. They invest, put their name on the side of the box, and suddenly its an overnight success (who would have guessed?).