West Midlands entrepreneurs viewed as smart and reliable by global business leaders

INTERNATIONAL confidence in the UK’s entrepreneurs is high, but a lack of innovation could dampen long-term trade prospects, according to new research.
 
The study by Barclays interviewed 1,350 business leaders around the world on their perceptions of British entrepreneurs and their experiences trading with UK scale-ups.
 
Four fifths (78%) of overseas business leaders think the UK is a good place to start a business, with Brazil (88%), the US (85%) and China (84%) most optimistic about Britain’s potential to create the next Apple or Google on home shores. Yet this fell dramatically when it came to opinions in Germany (64%) and France (68%).
 
A further 79% of those polled said they considered the UK’s start-up scene as an important global growth business hub for entrepreneurs and four fifths (82%) would consider investing in a UK start-up.
 
Despite the result of the EU Referendum, 61% of international business leaders said the outcome would not have any impact on the way they do business with UK entrepreneurs.

Of those questioned, 84% said they believed UK products and services would still offer good value; with three quarters (76%) saying they were confident that Britain would have a solid plan in place for life after Brexit.

Almost three quarters (74%) said they believed that the ‘Made In Britain’ stamp was still attractive.

A further 60% said Brexit would actually improve their trade dealings with British companies.
 
When it comes to doing business with the West Midlands, the region’s entrepreneurs are described by overseas business leaders as reliable (41%), smart (41%) and polite (37%).
 
Common traits of West Midlands entrepreneurs, as voted by global business leaders:
1.      Reliable – 41%
2.      Smart – 41%
3.      Polite – 37%
4.      Co-operative – 40%
5.      Honest – 38%
6.      Hardworking – 39%
7.      Innovative – 28%
8.      Driven – 42%
9.      Inspiring – 35%
10.  Passionate – 32%

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