The Royal Bank of Scotland's 'Living Business Survey 2005' has revealed some of the key traits and experiences that make a successful entrepreneur.

According to the survey, Britain's most successful entrepreneurs were competitive sportspeople in their youth, usually the youngest child in the family and had their first venture into business through a humble paper round at the age of 13.

45% of the 615 entrepreneurs questioned had rejected further and higher education in favour of leaving school at 16 to pursue their ambitions, and most rely on their own business acumen rather than seeking training in management or leadership skills. Energy, vision and a sense of humour were viewed as essential character traits, and the majority of those questioned viewed ruthlessness as a less admirable quality.