A nation with ambition: 85 per cent want to start a business

The UK is a nation with ambition: almost nine in ten Britons have an unfulfilled dream, and three quarters want to turn it in to a reality.

Research released today by Huawei reveals the UK is a nation of creative, ambitious people, who are set on following their dreams, with 85 per cent stating they have one or more goals they want to fulfil. Furthermore, 2018 looks set to be the year Britons take the plunge with their ambition, with 77 per cent planning to actively pursue their goals in the next year.

The survey of 5,000 UK residents has been released in conjunction with Huawei’s ‘I Am What I Do’ campaign, which features tech-driven entrepreneurs showcasing how AI technology can enrich people’s lives to mark the recent launch of the AI powered Mate 10 Pro. The study takes a deeper look at which areas of the UK are leading the way, with Exeter topping the table of most ambitious cities (60 per cent). When it comes to our top ambition, 57 per cent of us want to start our own business with current barriers to doing so including a lack of access to the right technology (74 percent), confidence (36 per cent) and cash flow (75 per cent).

When it comes to the current passion points of the UK, London is the most ‘social’ with 38 per cent wanting to become a social media star whereas those in Belfast are the most ‘creative’ with 29 per cent wanting to pursue becoming a film-maker or photographer. The ‘foodie’ capital is Leeds with 11 per cent wanting to open a deli or bakery, and the ‘tech’ capital is Newcastle with 15 per cent wanting to create their own app. The aspiring philanthropic capital is Glasgow with 11 per cent wanting to start a not-for-profit.

Leading psychologist and life coach, Corinne Sweet comments, ‘In an increasingly fast-moving, 24/7 world, people need to have access to the right tools to be able to realise their visions, cope with the pace of modern life and achieve their goals. Technology can be a huge aid as we want to be able to operate on the move, across borders and clearly, with each other. It’s time for Britons to use technology to empower them psychologically, to help turn their dreams into reality and to create financial and social success.’

Steven Bartlett, CEO and founder of Social Chain says, ‘It doesn’t surprise me that we are an ambitious nation. I see every day people who have incredible ideas and goals. I firmly believe technology can help people achieve their dream be that a professional goal or a more lifestyle focused desire. I have used technology to build a business that was a long term dream of mine and am delighted to be working with Huawei to inspire people to use technology to unlock their own potential.’

Huawei UK managing director, James Jie, says, ‘At Huawei we believe smartphone technology is key to empowering people and helping them to make the impossible possible. We believe our latest product, the AI enabled Mate 10 Pro, to be the device that will help them to do this.’

The research ranked the nation’s most ambitious cities:

  • Exeter
  • Leeds
  • Cardiff
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol

Among the nation’s top ambitions are:

  • Start own business
  • Open a restaurant
  • Design an App
  • Become a social media influencer
  • Own a home

The top barriers to achieving your goals are:

  • Not having enough money
  • Needing better technology
  • Confidence
  • Motivation
  • Time

Further reading on ambition

Owen Gough, SmallBusiness UK

Owen Gough

Owen was a reporter for Bonhill Group plc writing across the Smallbusiness.co.uk and Growthbusiness.co.uk titles before moving on to be a Digital Technology reporter for the Express.co.uk.

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