Nearly half of aspiring UK entrepreneurs feel they need to emigrate to achieve success, research finds.

Nearly half of aspiring UK entrepreneurs feel they need to emigrate to achieve success, research finds.

An international study into the aspirations of would-be entrepreneurs conducted by travel programme operator Smaller Earth and accountancy firm Mazars reveals that 46 per cent feel they are more likely to emigrate to achieve their ambitions than they were two years ago.

The US is seen as the most attractive country to all respondents, with 27 per cent believing it would be the most likely place to enable them to achieve their ambitions.

Britain’s entrepreneurs seem even more convinced that the American Dream is thriving, with 36 per cent believing that Uncle Sam will help them on the road to success.

However, the rest of the world views the UK as second most attractive destination for entrepreneurs after USA with 11 per cent choosing Britain as their country of choice.

Despite 46 per cent of aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to leave the UK, the figure compares favourably to other European countries. In Germany 78 per cent of would-be entrepreneurs say they would want to go abroad, while 67 per cent of French and Greek entrepreneurs also feel the need to emigrate.

Chris Arnold, CEO of Smaller Earth says, ‘It’s incredibly important for aspiring entrepreneurs to be supported by their community and government. The brightest will always look to improve social conditions and infrastructure on a level that crosses borders, but to make a start somewhere else is very tough.’

Alistair Fraser, partner at Mazars adds that the findings of the research highlight the need for encouragement and support for the next generation of wealth creators considering setting up a business in the UK.

‘The fact that the UK is recognised as a great place to achieve your ambitions by almost everyone bar the British speaks volumes about the need to educate and create awareness about the opportunities that exist in this country.’

See also: US inspiration for entrepreneurs