Entrepreneurs 'should be school governors'

Small businesses owners are being urged to sign up as school governors, in a bid to improve the running of schools and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and charity School Governors' One Stop Shop (SGOSS) have made the call to mark Enterprise Week.

The groups said that more governors with SME backgrounds could stimulate entrepreneurship and make students aware of the benefits of running and working in a small business.

John Wright, FSB National Chairman, said the FSB would like "more young people, the entrepreneurs of the future, to realise that working for a large business is not the only option, and to consider starting their own business".

Steve Acklam, SGOSS chief executive, said that schools had become "increasingly autonomous, with budget allocations, strategic planning and senior appointments all within the remit of the Governing Body".

"In this environment, the skills and experiences of small business owners and employees can be invaluable," he added.