In his Entrepreneurs Manifesto and Declaration of Rights released last week, the former Dragons’ Den investor and founder of the School for Startups said that people were being deterred from starting in business due to excessive red tape, and that the Government’s Simplification programme was failing.

However, Stephen Alambritis, the FSB’s head of public affairs, said that the Government had made it easier for people to set up a business.

“They have simplified the obstacles people face setting up a business, but if you want to grow the business, for example, by moving from self-employed to employer status – then it can be more difficult.”

Alambritis also agreed with a Government statement that people can set up a business in the UK in less than a day.

“We have one of the easiest regimes in the world for setting up a business, but it is the ongoing regulations that are a burden.” He said.

Over the last few years, Dragons’ Den has been helping Britain’s entrepreneurs by giving them the investment and support they need to get their businesses off the ground. And now, with the eighth season about the kick off, it could be your turn to enter the Dragons’ Den.

The show’s producers are now looking for new entrepreneurs to present in front of the Dragons for the chance to get £50,000 or more in funding for their business. In addition to the TV programme, Dragon’s Den is also offering the opportunity to pitch to two new Dragons for investments of up to £50,000 in the Online Den.

If you think your idea, invention or product has serious potential, now’s your chance to face the Dragons. With the right approach – and perhaps a little luck – you could walk away with the funding your business needs and hands-on, expert guidance from one or more of the Dragons.

To enter the Dragons’ Den, enter online at the BBC’s website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/apply/form.shtml

For example, under normal contract law a contract becomes binding when the offer is made and accepted. However, under distance selling regulations a customer normally has the right to cancel the purchase for seven days after the goods are delivered.

A comprehensive set of distance selling and marketing FAQs cover seller’s rights and responsibilities, including tips to protect your interests are available, free, on Law Donut.

Developed by BHP Information Resources with backing from Google, Law Donut is a plain-English guide to UK business law that’s been developed especially for SMEs.

It covers topics as diverse as credit control and debt recovery to intellectual property. As well as overviews and briefings, Law Donut has FAQs, checklists, and forums where SME owners and managers can discuss issues and how to resolve them.

The Law Donut is at www.lawdonut.co.uk.

The survey by experiential business learning organisation, The Entrepreneurs Board, found than nearly a third of people (28%) think entrepreneurs will be the most effective in bringing Britain out of recession over the next year, while 24% favoured the Government. Large businesses were chosen by 13% of respondents and Trades Unions by just 3%.

Some 45% of people surveyed felt that funding should be directed towards start-up companies as opposed to failing businesses, and nearly half of people (47%) agreed that failing private sector businesses should not be bailed out.

Support for the entrepreneur was shown to be stronger still, with more than seven in 10 people definitely (41%) or maybe (34%) wanting tax cuts to be given to start-ups and entrepreneurial businesses to further stimulate the economy.

Brian Chernett, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Board, said:

“Entrepreneurs are vital to recovery in the UK and the public understands this. We should do everything possible to help entrepreneurs make their businesses more successful, whether it’s tax cuts or providing business support and guidance.

The Entrepreneurs Board is an extension of proven leadership programmes that help leaders learn from each other. Experiential business learning helps business owners learn by ‘doing’ and inspires them to achieve their ultimate dreams while creating economic value for the country.”