I am passionate about entrepreneurs and encouraging them to follow their dreams and start their own businesses. That's one of the main reasons I agreed to go on Dragons Den. I've been running my own business now for 37 years and gained a lot of experience which I want to share with others. I was 16 when I started out and knew nothing about running my own business so I think it's important to impart what I've learned with others to help them succeed too.
The 'Business is GREAT Britain' campaign is a fantastic Government led initiative for small businesses. Its aim is to build confidence amongst small businesses and encourage them to plan, hire and export as drivers to future business success. I jumped at the opportunity to get involved and support the campaign.
I think growing British talent is key to further restoring the British economy and giving the younger generations hope that they can they can do it too.
One of my favourite quotes from the Business is GREAT Britain team is: "We are a nation of small businesses and should feel rightly proud of the contribution and achievements they are making every day and support for these businesses should be at the heart of long-term sustainable growth across the economy and around the country". This is an attitude I always try and adopt and think it would be GREAT if other businesses did too.
So if you want your business to be a GREAT business or you want to encourage other business to be GREAT too then make sure you get involved. 'Like' Business is Great Britain on Facebook for inspiration and advice, follow @Bisgovuk and @GREATBritain on Twitter and visit the website: greatbusiness.gov.uk