Richard Branson for prime minister
Apr 21 2010
“SMEs choose Richard Branson as next PM”
Owner-managers say Richard Branson would be their entrepreneur of choice for the position of prime minister.
Some 47 per cent say they would vote for the Virgin boss, followed by 21 per cent who would elect Lord Alan Sugar, 14 per cent Dragons’ Den star Duncan Bannatyne and 14 per cent James Dyson, according to a poll from SmallBusiness.co.uk.
Martyn Roberts, founder of insulation company Global Insulation Logistics, says: ‘Richard Branson resonates with entrepreneurs because he is a businessman first and foremost and his celebrity has come from his determination to do whatever it takes to make his company successful. I also like Alan Sugar because he’s straight talking, has total conviction in everything he does and can spot talent in people that others might overlook.’
Jeff Dakin, director of loyalty rewards company Htec, says the UK needs more business people in politics: ‘Career politicians who have not served as captains of industry cannot hope to understand the complexities of running and growing a business.’
‘Deep respect is afforded for those like Richard Branson who create enduring value for many people.’
Of the 620 small businesses polled, 3 per cent say they would vote for ex-supermodel and lingerie entrepreneur Caprice Bourret if she stood for prime minister.