Most people know Peter Jones as one of the infamous dragons from BBC’s Dragons’ Den. When it comes to business, the man knows what he’s talking about!

BY JAMES CHURCHILL

Peter Jones started in business by running a tennis academy. Today he has amassed a substantial fortune through his entrepreneurial endeavours, estimated at over £400 million. But that’s not all he’s done. In 2005 Peter setup the eponymous Peter Jones Foundation which provides support for young people wanting to get started in the business world. There is the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy which offers practical business courses for young people, and adults, up and down the country. There is also the competition, Tycoon for Schools, which gives secondary school pupils the chance to pitch a business idea and run it.

We caught up with Jones and asked him for advice, tips and guidance on how young people can get started in business, and where they should start if they’re still in school. So if you’re interested in business or looking for more information, we have it straight from the dragon’s mouth!

Jones’ mantra on being an entrepreneur is an optimistic and practical one. “Anyone can be an entrepreneur; all they need to do is learn the process of thinking and behaving like one. The best way to develop this is through hard work, experience and learning by example.”

And following his mantra, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy takes a hands-on approach to education rather than a traditional, academic one, offering BTEC courses and apprenticeships, as well as adult education. If you are 16 or above and you are more geared towards learning than by doing, then finding a course created by the academy is a good choice. After all, they were created by someone who knows the key to success.

“What our courses offer is a kick-start to young people’s careers. We learn, develop and ultimately achieve as a result of our own experiences. The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy allows young people to experience business situations and experiment with different methods before they find themselves in the real working world – I guarantee they will then find themselves ahead of the curve!”

We asked Jones about those who find it difficult to fund their studies. He assured us that his academy is open to those with financial difficulties. “At the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy we have a bursary scheme funded by our corporate patrons. Current academy students are able to apply for a selection of three funding packages. One supports students on work placements, one for enterprise opportunities and one to help with the purchasing of business attire.” Bear in mind that there are bursaries, grants and scholarships available at higher levels of education, such as college or university. Most educational establishments will have information on what they offer. If you need further details, the best thing is to contact them and ask.

Other resources for starting up a business or seeking out funding options can be found at The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the Skills Funding Agency. Both of these government departments can make the search for funding easier.

A financial base is always a help but Jones strongly emphasises personal qualities as being equally important to succeed in business. He believes it is a mix of “perseverance, confidence, innovation and leadership,” backing it up with the notion that “if you don’t believe in yourself or your idea, how are you going to convince anyone else to?” But he does also look for dedication towards education and experience.

“Qualifications and practical experience are key signifiers of a ‘go-getting’ attitude, as you have to have drive, determination and discipline to pursue them and succeed.”

But those aren’t the only qualities and resources available. In today’s age of the Internet, it is likely you already have the knowledge available to use one of the best modern resources of all. “One of the fascinating things about the Internet is the way it has taken innumerable traditional business models and completely transformed the way in which they operate.”

Regardless of your interests, several people from different fields have had financial success online. Performers, artists, writers, games designers, engineers and several others have used the Internet in some way to generate revenue or for support of their ideas. Several young people have learned how to use this resource without realising it.

“Young people have powerful marketing skills, which they don’t even realise they have when it comes to their familiarity with platforms for social media.

”But it’s not just social media that Jones advises you use. “There are very exciting initiatives encouraging young people to become more aware of web development and coding – Decoded and Teen Tech are good examples, and an awareness of coding is rapidly becoming a vital tool in creating a successful online company.” Whether it’s Facebook, Kickstarter or any other helpful site, it’s worth getting in on the action.

However, even with strong personal qualities and tools, Jones preaches that it is important to maintain common decency and morality in any form of dealings and interactions.

“In business, it is vital to maintain a sense of morality. Businesses can be ruthless and tyrannical, however, to my mind, there is no need for this negativity. It is important to stick to your principles and not to lose yourself along the way. My main principles are to play by the book, care about the people around me and ensure I am giving back.”

And speaking of fairness, there are many that make the case that women are still finding it difficult to succeed in comparison to men, both in business and the workplace. On the subject of female entrepreneurs, or anyone of a different gender identification, Jones is very outspoken in his belief that everyone can achieve success.

“My advice to anyone feeling like they face obstacles in the business world is to stretch and push society’s expectations of limitations - in my opinion, there are none. You have to follow your own path and live your dreams.”

Regardless of traditional viewpoints getting in the way, Jones believes that anything can be overcome with the right effort. “Success is achievable to anyone who desires it enough, and works hard for it. I have come across many people, who despite numerous examples of adversity, have come out fighting to achieve immense success.” Throughout history there have been people who have overcome adversity in various fields. Jones backs the simple but solid notion that you can do it, whoever you are.

It is this optimistic attitude that has been one of his most vital tools. Even with all this knowledge, there is one piece of advice he gives, which is not only useful to those entering the business world, but for anyone who has a dream, vision or goal. “Ultimately, you need to believe and you will achieve.”