Reality TV - good for business

Four out of 10 UK bosses believe that TV shows like The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den are inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs who think they have what it takes to succeed, according to new research.

But while the survey, commissioned by specialist business finance provider Bibby Financial Services, shows the majority of owners and managers attribute the trend of increased workplace ambition to business reality TV shows, 24 per cent claim the format is demeaning business for the sake of entertainment.

This echoes sentiments expressed by ex-CBI director general Sir Digby Jones, who openly criticised The Apprentice’s upfront approach, saying the show does a great disservice to business and that Alan Sugar could be turning young people off business because of his confrontational approach.