Entrepreneurship on employees' minds
03/08/2004
Nearly a quarter of UK employees think about ditching their jobs and starting up their own business at least once a week, a new survey has found.
Research by Jacks of London Franchise Programme found that 24 per cent of staff consider going it alone at least once a week, with the main motivations not based on money.
Six in ten said they would like to work their own hours, while over half were attracted by becoming their own boss.
The research follows similar studies released over the past week that revealed that both young entrepreneurs and employees of small businesses were not mainly motivated by money.
The challenge of the job and the chance to make important decisions have been the biggest incentives in all three surveys, with few budding entrepreneurs planning to become multi-millionaires.
With record numbers of people willing to start up in business, it appears there are several deep-rooted reasons why employees are rejecting the nine to five life, other than money.
The Jacks of London study found that women, young people and those in London were most keen to go it alone, while those aged over 55 were least likely to leave their jobs.
Sir Richard Branson and Dame Anita Roddick were the most inspiring entrepreneurial figures to employees,.
However, financial concerns were an issue for over half of those polled, while 38 per cent were worried about their lack of business experience.
Sue Whitehead, managing director of Jacks of London, said that franchising was a great way for employees to get into business ownership.
“Franchising is a less risky way of starting a business, giving the franchisee structure, support and guidelines for creating, maintaining and growing the business.
“And you don’t even need experience in the sector to make a success of the business,” she said.