Entrepreneurs are a bunch of real dreamers

ONE fifth of businessmen and women spend around 25 hours per week dreaming up new business concepts, mainly outside the office, according to a survey out today.

This means eight weeks a year are spent on coming up with bright ideas.

The most common places for having a business idea included the car, bedroom or while out socialising.

The study also dispels stereotypes about Monday mornings - a fifth of those interviewed said they had their best ideas at the start of the week.

More than half of those asked thought morning was the best time for creative thinking about new business ideas.

However, many ideas never reach fruition, as only a third of entrepreneurs jot down ideas.

The study, commissioned by electronics group Sony Ericsson, surveyed 254 people in "progressive sectors" of the UK market.

Entrepreneurs who come up with a unique concept are featured in the BBC’s Dragons’ Den series. They have to pitch their idea to business experts including Yo Sushi!’s Simon Woodroffe and health club owner Duncan Bannatyne.

If they are successful, they gain funding to start their venture, but must first persuade the panel their idea is worth investment.