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Reality TV is 'good for business'

Published On 18 May 2007 at 08:56:41

The popularity of entrepreneurial reality television programmes - such as The Apprentice and Dragons' Den - is good for businesses, according to a new survey.

Biddy Financial Services found that 42 per cent of the bosses of small and medium-seized enterprises (SMEs) believed that these programmes are inspiring a new generation to go into business for themselves.

Similarly, nearly half (46 per cent) of the bosses questioned say that they have seen more ambition in their staff since these programmes began to air.

"UK businesses are thriving and it seems that bringing the world of trade to a wider audience is acknowledged by the business community as largely a good thing," said David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services.

"However, for those not lucky enough to be given a big break, getting a business off the ground can be one of the most complex, expensive and stressful challenges they will ever face."

"Despite this, running a successful business can be a fantastically rewarding experience, and not just in financial terms," he added.

The Apprentice - which is shown on BBC One - managed to attract over 3.6 million viewers when it began in February.

 

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