Government appoints Lord Sugar as enterprise tsar

Lord Sugar has been appointed enterprise tsar as part of the government’s drive to get more young people to start their own business or apprenticeship.

Sugar will champion enterprise and apprenticeships among young people and will encourage businesses to take on apprenticeships.

Sugar will undertake a series of roadshow events across England, speaking to local school leavers and businesses. He will be supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education.

Commenting on his appointment, Sugar said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this challenge. I built successful businesses with the support of hundreds of talented young people who learned their skills on the job – exactly the kinds of skills you learn in an apprenticeship. But not enough of our young people know about apprenticeships and what they offer, and too few feel empowered to set up their own business.

“I’ll be travelling the length and breadth of this country to tell young people why apprenticeships are a great way for them to build their skills – and talking about the opportunities for starting their own business, hopefully instilling some entrepreneurial spirit.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “We want every young person in Britain to get on and build a great life for themselves, whether it’s by starting an apprenticeship or setting up their own business. Lord Sugar has huge credibility among young people and I am delighted that he has agreed to help the government bang the drum for apprenticeships and enterprise.”