Entrepreneurial business favours the open mind. It favours people whose optimism drives them to prepare for many possible futures, pretty much purely for the joy of doing so.

I rely far more on gut instinct than researching huge amounts of statistics.

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world with so many fantastic pubs and restaurants. I would urge people to get out there and see as much as possible.

I never went into business to make money, but I have found that if I have fun, the money will come.

A good idea for a new business tends not to occur in isolation, and often the window of opportunity is very small. So speed is of the essence.

Most of our businesses do succeed, but if something completely fails, then as long as we bow out gracefully and pay off all our debts, and nobody gets hurt, then I don't think people disrespect Virgin for trying. The public appreciates someone having a go; it appreciates the attempt. Who's been a success in life who hasn't failed?

Starting a business is a huge amount of hard work... You had better enjoy it.