How do you describe an entrepreneur?

Neil's Answer:

Someone who is comfortable taking measured risks and enjoys the buzz and freedom of running their own business. It needs lots of personal energy, flair and imagination but more than anything the willingness to give it a go.

Top 3 tips of effective business growth?

Neil's Answer:

Be clear as to what it is your business actually is about and ensure that your team has "buy in" to that and the culture your business relies on to grow; it's vital they can contribute to that growth plan in return for fair reward.

Build the right team around you as soon as possible. That team includes advisers and bankers, as well as your own employees.

Make sure you have a rolling business plan which is there to help you grow, but doesn’t become an end in itself. It needs to link both personal and business aims.

What would you change to help Liverpool deliver a more effective entrepreneurial culture?

Neil's Answer:

Key to this is confidence. With confidence local entrepreneurs can market in the UK and beyond. One of the ways to engender confidence is an energetic local support culture whereby people who have "been there, done that" can pass on their experience. A subsidised business buddies network and better basic knowledge of the "dos and don’ts" in business are just a part of that.