Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest festival for entrepreneurs and startup supporters, kicked-off on Monday with a clear message: entrepreneurs can be found building great companies all over the UK. Entrepreneurs thrive here.
First launched in 2007 by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the (US-based) Kauffman Foundation, Global Entrepreneurship Week has become a global campaign to celebrate and promote entrepreneurship, with events taking place in 200 countries. In Britain, GEW UK organised by the Global Enterprise Network and The Centre for Entrepreneurs, will see hundreds of events will be held across the country, featuring workshops, mentoring sessions, networking and learning opportunities. Recognising the importance of nurturing the next generation, universities across the UK will be showcasing the best of student entrepreneurial talent.
A new report from global consultancy Startup Genome, supported by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, will be presented at the G20 summit in Rio. The report, whose lead author is Dr Chris Haley (Head of Research for Startup Genome) finds that “…among the individual G20 countries, the UK is second only to the US in terms of the effectiveness with which we convert that potential into actual startup value. However, policymakers should not be complacent: with only 1 city (London) in the top 40 startup ecosystem ranking.”
Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Small Businesses, said: “This Government has said from day one it will work in partnership with business to deliver its number one mission of growing the economy. To help deliver the growth our country needs, we are determined to encourage a new generation of British entrepreneurs to scale up fresh ideas and create new jobs and successful businesses across the country. This Global Entrepreneurship Week, we want to show entrepreneurs in the UK and around the world that Britain is a great place to do business and to invest.”
Ahead of the launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week, over twenty of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs have lent their support to the campaign, including Kelly Hoppen, Nick Wheeler and Mike Clare, by answering the question: ‘What is one piece of advice you would give someone wanting to start or scale up their business?’
Kelly Hoppen CBE (Founder, Kelly Hoppen Interiors) said: “First and foremost, trust your instincts. In business, everyone has an opinion, and if you’re not careful, those voices can drown out your own vision. You have to believe in what you’re doing, because if you don’t, no one else will. Building a business isn’t just about talent; it’s about resilience and making tough decisions every day. My advice? Start by being clear on your purpose—know why you’re doing it. And remember, consistency is key. You might not see results right away, but if you stay true to your brand and keep delivering quality, growth will follow. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Nick Wheeler OBE (Founder, Charles Tyrwhitt), said: “Be honest with yourself. You might be an Elon, or a Jeff, or a Sergei, but it’s unlikely. It is more likely you are about to embark on a journey that will make Disneyland’s Incredicoaster – the world’s biggest roller coaster – feel like a stroll in the park. There will be some ups, but more downs. There will be desperate moments where all seems lost. Nothing will go according to plan. Your friends will tell you to give up. Your family will despair. Your teachers from school will tell you they were right when they said you would either create a crazy business, but probably go to prison. But when you never give up and you come through all of that – and it may take some time – you will realise that you have done something very special – you have made something of your life. Good luck.”
Mike Clare (Founder, Dreams Plc), said: “To start a business, you need ‘some’ skill and ‘some’ luck, but you’ll need shedloads of hard work. It is going to be risky, if it was easy everyone would do it … if you want ‘safety’ … work for someone else for the rest of your life. Ensure your family and partner are onboard and fully supportive … be prepared for ‘ups and downs’ … think outside the box and be different to your competitors somehow (not just another ‘me too’ business) … be passionate about your business/idea and keep motivating and exciting others … staff, lenders, suppliers and customers. Recruit a young, keen and ambitious team/staff … keep them close and incentivised. Live, breath and sleep (ZZZ) your business … it’s your ‘baby’ and needs your love, care and constant attention – Good Luck, be successful and enjoy the journey!”
Timothy Barnes, (CEO, Centre for Entrepreneurs) said: “From market-stall traders and high-streets retailers to the latest Artificial Intelligence and biotech companies, entrepreneurship is truly thriving across the UK, with some 800,000 new companies registered each year. While we can find amazing startups and entrepreneurs in every part of the country, it needs to be easier for more people if we are to ensure we get the best from the UK’s incredible talent and we all need to look for those opportunities to enhance investment and public policy to meet the UK’s growth and productivity agenda.
There are some amazing examples of activities in Hull, Liverpool and Glasgow this week that show just what the future might look like across every region. While there is so much more to be done, we should pause and celebrate a UK success. Entrepreneurs thrive here. We are really good at this.”
UK Event Highlights
There are hundreds of events across the UK throughout the week. Here is one event for each day of the week to look out for:
- Monday 18 – GEW UK National Launch – Join Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and a a host of inspiring entrepreneurs to kick off the week. Entrepreneurs, journalists, policy makers and investors are welcome to attend!
- Tuesday 19 – Startup Day 2024 – The Business and IP Centres in the UK’s major libraries will host dozens of workshops and training sessions in locations such as Brighton, Glasgow, Bristol, Hull, Northampton, Newcastle and Norwich as well as the British Library in London. Incredible advice, mentoring and networking available across the country.
- Wednesday 20 – Ready, Set, Pitch – Universities across the UK will be showcasing the best student entrepreneurial talent at events throughout the week. On Wednesday, you can see what Manchester’s finest have to offer at this high-energy event.
- Thursday 21 – Investment Futures – Some of the finest universities from across the Wales and the South of England are coming to London in the search for investors, talent and partners – come and see them for yourself!
- Friday 22 – Green Business Solutions for Entrepreneurs – The University of Salford is hosting this hybrid event so anyone can join and learn how startups and SMEs are implementing the best green practices and future plans!
Further events can be found here.