Disruptors Richard Farleigh | How to Survive Modern Business
Feb 21, 2025
Richard Farleigh, a former Dragons' Den investor and successful entrepreneur with over 120 businesses, shares his inspiring journey from an Australian orphanage to the heights of UK entrepreneurship. He discusses the unique challenges facing UK startups, including funding issues and high taxes. Richard also reveals how even seasoned entrepreneurs contend with imposter syndrome. He emphasizes the importance of treating the first year of business as a research phase and reflects on the evolving role of AI in enhancing productivity and innovation.
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UK Startup Challenges
- The UK startup environment is becoming increasingly challenging due to difficulties in raising capital and competing with US and Chinese markets.
- Richard Farleigh expresses pessimism about the UK's startup scene, citing funding challenges and a lack of government support.
Shifting Priorities and UK Decline
- Rob Moore observes a shift in employee priorities from career focus to wellbeing and work-from-home preferences.
- He questions the reasons behind the UK's decline as a hub for business and entrepreneurship, citing potential factors like lack of talent, government policies, and cultural shifts.
Impact of Tax Policies
- Richard Farleigh believes the UK government's approach to taxation and incentives disincentivizes entrepreneurship and investment.
- He argues that tax breaks and other incentives are crucial for motivating risk-taking in startups, given the high failure rate.
