TV shows such as Dragon’s Den and high profile “celebrity” entrepreneurs have a positive effect on the region’s business community.

A new study by Bank of Scotland Corporate says around 90 per cent of people in the North-west believe celebrity business culture is helping to fuel entrepreneurship.

It is the highest result in the UK. In contrast, only 34 per cent of people in the North-east believe celebrity entrepreneurs are an inspiration.

Tim Rigg, Head of Corporate Banking in the North-west, said: “The area has a long history of producing successful entrepreneurs.

“At the same time, our region has always been multicultural, cosmopolitan, open to new ideas and willing to learn from the success of people across the country.

“That being the case, I’m not surprised that people in the region are positive about the current high profile of entrepreneurialism.

“It is another great example of how we are prepared to listen to the ideas and successes of others and use them as we make our own way in the business world.”