Reaching for the stars

Business role models come in all shapes and sizes – and from all sorts of different backgrounds.
Some of the UK’s leading business people famously came from humble beginnings to build successful companies employing thousands of people.
Many have become household names and their examples have inspired others to set up their own businesses or attracted admiration from millions of consumers.
Then there are others who became celebrities and decided to exploit their star status to launch successful business careers and increase their fortune and enhance their profile. Their examples have helped to focus more attention on the business world and illustrated how celebrity can sometimes be a valuable weapon in the commercial world.
However, what is clear is that those who have reached the top and now stand out from the crowd have shown drive, dedication, diligence, ambition and vision to get where they are. Sometimes a bit of luck has helped too!
So, just who do you admire in the business world?
You may feel that Sir Alan Sugar’s no-nonsense approach make him a good example; or you might revere Martha Lane Fox who became an icon of the internet boom and marries her business acumen with a commitment to social justice and human rights. Sir Stuart Rose has also earned respect by rejuvenating Marks & Spencer and is leading it through the current economic difficulties
Perhaps you think highly of the more unconventional route into business of supermodel Kate Moss who made her way from Croydon schoolgirl to a multi-millionaire global fashion icon endorsing her own clothes and cosmetics ranges. The music world has also catapulted Victoria Beckham, Gary Barlow and Myleene Klass Into major business successes in their own right.
Or maybe you admire the way Jamie Oliver transformed himself from trainee cook into the head of the lucrative ‘Naked Chef’ business empire.
Whatever your views, please take a moment to cast your vote in www.bttradespace.com’s latest Have Your Say poll.