Students

More than three-quarters of recent graduates are reportedly attracted by the proposition of starting their own business, writes smallbusiness.co.uk.

A survey of 1,000 graduates, by office supply company Viking, found 76 per cent of recent university leavers think that being their own boss is a viable career path on average in a plateauing job market.

It’s possible that those in the North East are most inclined to start their own business, or start a franchise, as 78 per cent of people here – the highest percentage – agreed that these are attractive prospects.

Interestingly though, nearly seven in ten graduates (67 per cent) never thought of creating their own start up whilst studying.

Freedom of working hours was found to be the most desirable aspect of starting up a business, while the majority of graduates in Northern Ireland cited money, adds universitybusiness.co.uk.

“There is clear evidence to suggest that students need greater support in explaining the options available to them before leaving school or university,” commented John O’Keeffe, commercial director at Viking. “With unemployment figures still averaging over five to 10 per cent in each region, it is important students are given as much advice as possible to maximise their future potential in the workplace.”

He added: “Many of today’s aspiring and entrepreneurial businesses were established by young people and it should be encouraged by schools and universities, especially in a time when jobs are lacking and unemployment remains high.”