The Apprentice star was spotted slipping into Downing Street yesterday. He’s allegedly been asked to advise Gordon Brown on how to boost struggling companies. Sir Alan is a long-standing Labour supporter and a close friend of the prime minister – but his "new appointment" has not yet been confirmed. So Real Business got on the blower to business owners and asked them what they thought about Sir Alan’s possible new role at Westminster: “If the rumours are true about Sir Alan being brought in as a business adviser to the government, this is just another example of the government’s total absence of leadership and judgement and a pathetic attempt to appeal to the TV watching The Sun readers who it thinks are going to help them," comments Simon Lawrence, CEO of marketing firm Information Arts. "This is clearly a clumsy populist move that further erodes any shred of credibility the government had left. I think that most serious business people would agree that Sir Alan doesn’t represent the way most businesses are run in the 21st century. So while he may be entertaining, I have serious doubts about what he could bring to the table as the business and enterprise expert in these turbulent times.” Brett Raynes, managing director of Bath-based technology firm Backup Direct, welcomes the news, claiming that “Sir Alan would ensure the government keeps the small business agenda at the forefront of economic policy.” Amir Chen, managing director of patisserie chain Apostrophe, says he can also see the benefits of having Sir Alan on board: "His undisputed experience and success in the real economy will provide excellent feedback for a government struggling to engage with the business world. More specifically, his direct style will provide a fresh and welcome approach to the convoluted and short-term nature of many of our politicians and their decisions. I also think that, having made significant money in business, Sir Alan would not be prone to the petty financial misconduct and time-wasting that we have recently seen. I often say, the best political leader is one who made his money prior to joining politics." And the comments don’t stop there! Read more controversial views
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