Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 6

Brent Hoberman He launched revolutionary travel website lastminute.com and is now developing his new online interiors business, mydeco.com. But Hoberman is also supporting fellow entrepreneurs. He recently launched European Founders Capital (with Bebo founder Michael Birch), a fund backing start-up technology companies. He’s also a member of the Conservative Party’s New Enterprise Council to advise the Tories on the needs of businesses  and has backed internet companies, such as social network WAYN.com and Wigadoo.

Lord DraysonThis magazine has long lamented the lack of entrepreneurial experience within government. The notable exception is science and technology minister Paul Drayson, who formerly built up his Powderject business. Drayson garners much favourable comment from insiders about his determination to support small businesses. His partnership with Dragon James Caan to launch the new iawards (celebrating science, technology and innovation in the UK) is a case in point. Drayson has been a key figure in the creation of the government’s £150m Innovation Investment Fund.

Stephen AlambritisThe head of public affairs at the Federation of Small Business is the man the media turn to when they want to know small business’s view. For years now, he’s been the most consistent voice on the issues that matter to SMEs. His views may not always be cheerful – he fears a “W-shaped” recession that will hit small companies hard – but he is active, relentless and committed.

Check back tomorrow for more champions of entrepreneurial Britain. Tell us who you’d like to see on our list of enterprise heroes by posting a comment below.

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Related articles:Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 1 Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 2Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 3Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 4Champions of entrepreneurial Britain: Part 5

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