Sir Richard Branson has called on UK policymakers to do more to support and "champion" British entrepreneurs, arguing that the country must create a more favourable environment for those willing to start and build a business from scratch.

The founder of Virgin Group, who launched his first venture selling records in 1970, said the UK needs to go further in fostering conditions where innovators can survive and thrive. His intervention carries weight at a time when the UK startup ecosystem — long ranked among Europe's largest by venture capital raised — faces mounting pressure from constrained funding, competition for skilled talent, and broader economic headwinds that have made early-stage survival increasingly difficult.

Writing in City AM, Sir Richard said: "We need to do more to champion anyone willing to have a go at starting a business. It's really tough trying to build a business from scratch. Maybe that's why it's so important to create an economic environment where innovators with imagination can be helped to survive and thrive."

His comments come as research from Virgin Startup, the philanthropic arm of Virgin Group, reveals that a large majority of founders "do not believe Westminster listens to their concerns."

A Challenge for the New Government

The persistent difficulties facing founders represent an early test for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Treasury team, with attention focused on the upcoming October 28 Budget.

Burnham and his Chancellor, John Healey, have vowed to back business, though the government faces the twin challenges of sluggish economic growth and tight public finances. Since entering office, Burnham has announced a 20 per cent business rate cut for pubs, clubs and other music venues, alongside a reduction in VAT on energy bills.

There are growing calls for Burnham to go further and encourage more young people to consider entrepreneurship, particularly as the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) continues to rise. The Budget is expected to be closely watched by the startup and small business community for signals on issues such as business rates reform, capital gains tax treatment, and R&D incentives — areas that founders and investors frequently cite as decisive factors in where to build and scale companies.

Parents Back Entrepreneurial Paths for Children

Against this backdrop, 87 per cent of parents confirmed they would support their child starting a business this year, according to Virgin Startup's findings. More than 30 per cent said they would prefer their child to start a business rather than attend university, citing ballooning student debt and the emergence of alternative career routes that do not require further education.

Over 60 per cent of parents say they are already actively trying to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in their children. Among them, 40 per cent encourage their children to invest their savings, 36 per cent teach them about profit and costs, and 33 per cent help their children sell old toys or belongings.

"Societies Benefit When Entrepreneurs Succeed"

Sir Richard's remarks were written in response to a recent City AM report highlighting the entrepreneur's enduring appeal among UK founders.

"Societies benefit when entrepreneurs succeed. We must give every founder the best chance to flourish, so the future Virgins, Microsofts and Googles of the world are also built by British entrepreneurs," Sir Richard said. "That means fostering an environment that makes it easier to build and develop a business."

Over the decades, Sir Richard's business empire has expanded across travel and leisure, health and wellness, media and telecoms. Notable brands under the Virgin umbrella include Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Active and Virgin Voyages.