Anyone who makes an effort at whatever they hope to accomplish can, and will, seriously improve their chances of succeeding.

Growth does not always lead a business to build on success. All too often it converts a highly successful business into a mediocre large business.

Please don’t get hung up on this question of whether you need to have experience in an industry before you launch your startup.

I was a risk-taker as a young man, and I don't regret it. I'm not adventurous in quite the same way now, but I still love the challenge of testing myself to the limits, flying around the world, or seeing if I can be the first to fly a balloon across the Atlantic, or trying to take people into space at an affordable price in an environmentally friendly way. I'll be going into space with three generations of my family!

Entrepreneursh ip is a great leveller, since having the benefit of a wealthy background or a generous investor isn't always an advantage. The wonderful thing is that money is not the sole currency when it comes to starting a business; drive, determination, passion and hard work are all free and more valuable than a pot of cash.

First and foremost, any business proposal I like must sound fun.

Your company should act as a springboard for ambitious employees, not a set of shackles.