If there is anyone who knows how to grow a business it is James Caan. As well as being co-founder of The EBA he is a serial entrepreneur and runs his successful private equity firm, Hamilton Bradshaw. We asked him to reflect on his success stories so you can learn from his lessons.

Successful entrepreneurs often exhibit familiar traits: they are passionate about their businesses, determined to succeed, very hands on but most of all they are risk-takers. The strength of Britain’s entrepreneurial and small business sector will be the vital cog that turns the wheels to re-energise our economy.

Whether in a recession or not, controlling cash is absolutely critical for small firms. Often cash flow problems can be reduced. However, 90% of firms are still failing because of lack of knowledge and skills of the business owner.

“I like to be tested by the interviewee,” says James Caan.

Pakistan is suffering cataclysmic devastation since the unprecedented floods early August which is now affecting an area the size of the UK in Pakistan. If we take a moment to really think about the scale of this natural disaster and the millions of people affected, it is deeply distressing.