The widespread popularity of TV shows looking at the world of business and start-up companies is helping to motivate more people to form their own small business, according to a new report.

Dragon’s Den and the Apprentice have both proved to be consistent ratings hits for the past few years, resulting in a range of spin-off shows, but as well as being popular research from Natwest suggests they are giving many more people to courage to start their own company.

The poll found that the equivalent of 17 million Brits have an idea for their company, with 30 per cent serious about making a go of it.

Furthermore, a fifth of the young entrepreneurs who have gone into business in the last five years said their main motivation was watching a business reality TV show.

“Whilst it’s encouraging that TV programmes can inspire an army of armchair entrepreneurs into action, they only really scratch the surface of what it takes to run a successful business,” said Steve Pateman from Natwest.

“Although over half (52 per cent) aren’t confident they have the skills and financial know-how to get started straight away…these initial hurdles needn’t be a barrier to getting a good business idea off the ground,” he added.