Lord Sugar appointed enterprise tsar

by Susie Hughes at 09:34 26/05/16 (News on Business)

Lord Sugar has been appointed enterprise tsar as part of the Government’s drive to encourage more young people to consider starting their own business or undertake an apprenticeship.

As well as championing enterprise and apprenticeships among young people, he will encourage businesses to take on apprentices themselves. Lord Sugar is one of the best known names in British business, and having built up two successful computer firms – Amstrad and Viglen – after leaving school at 16. He will be undertaking a series of roadshow events across England, speaking to local school leavers and businesses. He will be provided with support by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education. Advertisement Lord Sugar said: "I’m delighted to be taking on this challenge. I built successful businesses with the support of hundreds of talented young people who learned their skills on the job – exactly the kinds of skills you learn in an apprenticeship. But not enough of our young people know about apprenticeships and what they offer, and too few feel empowered to set up their own business. "I’ll be travelling the length and breadth of this country to tell young people why apprenticeships are a great way for them to build their skills – and talking about the opportunities for starting their own business, hopefully instilling some entrepreneurial spirit." Skills Minister Nick Boles said: "We want every young person in Britain to get on and build a great life for themselves, whether it’s by starting an apprenticeship or setting up their own business. Lord Sugar has huge credibility among young people and I am delighted that he has agreed to help the government bang the drum for apprenticeships and enterprise." Freelancing Freelancer and self employment group, IPSE, welcome the appointment and called on Lord Sugar to promote freelancing as a method of working. IPSE Director of Policy Simon McVicker said: “Lord Sugar’s experience in starting up his own business, as well as his outstanding reputation as one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs, makes him a credible choice to promote enterprise in young people. “We’re pleased to see a Government drive to encourage more young people to start up their own businesses. The success of this initiative will rest upon concrete action which can enable them to get their businesses off the ground. “Too often schools, colleges and universities focus on progression to full-time employment, with little focus on freelancing as a viable career option. This is despite the rapid growth in young freelancers – an increase of over 50 per cent since 2008. “Schools and further education providers must integrate enterprise and freelancing throughout the curriculum, as well as the provision of sufficient support and mentoring once freelance businesses are off the ground. “It takes courage to start up from scratch, especially while in education, so we hope Lord Sugar helps to support and encourage this increasingly popular way of working.” Tweet -- If you wish to comment on this article, please log in and use the Reply button below. Registering is free and easy - see 'Join Shout99'. - Susie Hughes © Shout99 2016

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