Inspiring Story: Maria Q
Maria Q is a vocalist, vocal coach and music industry consultant, having worked with the likes of Lulu, Boy George, Coolio, M People and Victoria Beckham to name a few. She sings with critically acclaimed post-rock band Archive.
"I really think our society has been entrepreneurial throughout history. In the 18th and 19th centuries UK businesses conquered the world. We are not a nation of shop keepers, we are nation of entrepreneurs."
"When I see the huge amount of people sending me emails with great ideas for social enterprises, asking me for advice, and when I meet the young social entrepreneurs themselves at events, I know that social enterprise is the up and coming trend in the UK.
As dissatisfied lawyer Egg in superior 90s drama "This Life", Andrew Lincoln was keen to explore the character’s entrepreneurial side when Egg started running his own café. He explains why working for yourself is something he’d recommend to anyone.
June Sarpong is no stranger to making her ideas happen: she worked her way up to her dream role as a TV presenter by doing work experience and pursuing every available opportunity.
Kwame Kwei-Armah is a respected actor (he played paramedic Fin Newton in Casualty and Holby City) and playwright (Elmina's Kitchen), but what gets him fired up most is seeing young people follow their ideas through.
Leaving school at 16, MC Lady Sovereign (aka Louise Harman), has risen through the rapping ranks. From starting out by playing local gigs, to working with global music stars like Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams & Basement Jaxx. It's all because of her ambition.
Saira Khan was runner-up in the first series of The Apprentice. She has since used her larger-than-life personality to inspire and encourage budding young entrepreneurs in her role as presenter of the CBBC show Beat the Boss.
Actress Tamzin Outhwaite cut her teeth in West End musicals, but her passion and determination led her to win roles that gave her national exposure in the likes of EastEnders, soldier drama Red Cap and Vital Signs, where she plays a mum of three.
In 2005, Sir Alan Sugar selected former London Underground employee Tim Campbell as his first 'apprentice'. Tim has since left Amstrad and founded The Bright Ideas Trust which supports young entrepreneurs.
In summer 2007 Coventry-based band The Enemy hit the number one spot in the album charts with their debut album, We'll Live and Die in These Towns.
Sarah Beeny self-trained in the building industry, and set up her own property development company at the age of 24 with her brother and boyfriend.
Jacqueline Gold, Chief Executive of Ann Summers and Knickerbox is one of Britain's most charismatic and successful businesswomen and an inspiration to thousands of women.
Ruth Badger was runner-up in the second series of The Apprentice. Here she tells us how she's made her mark in business.
Sir Alan Sugar's Grand Idea was to make money from electrical goods. Here are his five steps to success.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Kid Harpoon explains his five steps to making his grand idea happen.
Carrie Grant is a pop vocal coach and also teaches business management. Her success in the field of vocal coaching has led to a high-profile role on BBC's Fame Academy amongst other TV appearances.
Kombat Breakers are a crew of seven breakers/dancers and overall entertainers, who achieved national recognition when they appeared on ITV's Britain's Got Talent programme.
Here's what Coventry band The Ripps have to say about making their mark in the music industry.
Melody is storming the music scene with her unique sound of “sophisticated pop”.
