Business-based reality television programmes such as The Apprentice and Dragons' Den are inspiring entrepreneurs, according to new research.

A survey by specialist business finance provider Bibby Financial Services reveals that 46 per cent of UK business owners and managers say that such TV shows have increased workplace ambition.

More than one-third of respondents claim that the programmes are creating "armchair entrepreneurs" and getting people interested in starting their own businesses.

David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, commented: "UK businesses are thriving and it seems that bringing the world of trade to a wider audience is acknowledged by the business community as largely a good thing.

"The most important things to remember [when starting a business] are to concentrate on something you're passionate about, research whether there's sufficient demand for the product or service you're hoping to sell and investigate all the funding options available."

In related news, Lush founder Rowena Bird recently advised entrepreneurs that location is the key factor in the success of a retail start-up.