Parental divorce, battling with cancer and under-achieving at school are all factors contributing to entrepreneurial drive, according to a survey.

Parental divorce, battling with cancer and under-achieving at school are all factors contributing to entrepreneurial drive, according to a survey of 370 business owners.

More than two-thirds (69 per cent) of those surveyed by the Aldridge Foundation, a business-focused charity, say they have been motivated by adversity in their past.

Glen Manchester, CEO of document automation company Thunderhead, says, ‘Adversity forged my independence and was a major influence over my drive for 
success in my career.’

Bar Hewlett, the founder of weight loss business LighterLife, says beating cancer gave her the determination to set up the company, while Alex Cheatle, owner of concierge company Ten UK, cites the breakdown of his parents’ marriage when he was three.

Will King, founder of razor brand King of Shaves, says British business culture needs to be more tolerant of failure: ‘In America, failure is a big part of the entrepreneurial experience. In the UK, it’s frowned upon. There needs to be room for trial and error.’