Entrepreneurs breaking the Billionaire bubble

What one admires about self-made millionaires is that they are just that 'self made'. Yes, some may come from 'the establishment' in terms of who they are related to, but the likes of Lord Alan Sugar and Sir Richard Branson, and even, if Simon Cowell, who progressed from humble origins to multi-millionaire status within years, cannot be ignored and most be celebrated.

However, in a recent and the largest survey of its kind, the UK has voted Virgin's bearded billionaire Sir Richard Branson as the most influential British business figure of all time.

Nearly one fifth of those surveyed voted for Virgin's iconic bearded billionaire who, according to Forbes1, is the 212th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of approximately £2.97 billion.

Sir Richard beats The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar who, in second place, has elevated himself from street trader to consumer electronics supremo and household name. Lord Sugar is today known more for his media work entice now than the technology career where he made his fortune with Amstrad.

"Brits are clearly inspired by the true vision of these business figures, many of whom started from humble beginnings, and have now become household names like Lord Alan Sugar," said Andy Turner, Co-Founder of OfficeCavalry.com - a freelance site which commissioned the research.

A recent Government communication from David Cameron estimated that there are 1.4 million freelancers in the UK (62% male, 38% female) which reflects a 14% growth in this alternative way of working since 1998. This clearly shows the importance of freelancers in our country and the massive contribution to our economy that freelancers make."

In regards to those who have decided to work freelance he adds, "More and more British workers are choosing to freelance. They recognise that it strikes the right balance between work and life, and that in their numbers can trigger economic growth for the country. Determination and ambition to become your own boss clearly plays a part and it's encouraging to see that an increasing number of Britons are opting for a freelance lifestyle."

Britons have a great array of business figures to look up to and the UK is increasingly becoming a nation of entrepreneurs at a younger age. In a recent study, over a third of those questioned who are inspired to freelance were 25 years of age or under when they set out on their own, and overall a third wished they had started freelancing sooner.

"Brits prefer to work for themselves because of the lifestyle it affords them. Ninety per cent of those questioned in the survey said they preferred working for themselves because they like what comes from being your own boss; namely more freedom and a better quality of life," added Andy. "We are now providing an opportunity through OfficeCavalry.com for people to start on the path of a lifestyle change and to help make a difference to the British recovery."

www.OfficeCavalry.com is a workplace specifically designed for Freelancers to profile themselves and to engage with Project Owners to deliver short to medium term deadline assignments. It provides a new channel to engage skilled individuals into work, be they dedicated Freelancers, graduates, students or home workers supplementing their existing income by utilising their skills remotely.

The top 10 most influential British business figures are:

1. Sir Richard Branson
2. Lord Alan Sugar
3. Simon Cowell
4. Sir Terry Leahy
5. Dame Anita Roddick
6. Sir Stuart Rose
7. Sir Philip Green
8. James Dyson
9. Bernie Ecclestone
10. Peter Jones CBE