I believe that right now, high profile entrepreneurs can play an important part in championing the needs of our small business community and provide it with the tools it needs to sustain and thrive in this difficult climate.

When we first start businesses many of us, leap into the fray without much thought for what’s going to happen next month or next year because we are concentrating so hard on the here and now and the challenges that we face on a day to day basis.

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.

Even though some of us don’t necessarily like the idea of networking and joining support groups, it is vital that we do so, as it is too easy to become blinkered and solitary when working in a small business.

Move over babyboomers, there are new kids on the block. Here comes Generation Y – the Facebook generation – who are changing the face of business forever. There is no such thing as ‘too young’ to be in business any more. There is a rising awareness of ‘youth power’.