ENTREPRENEUR Wayne Hemingway said the key ingredients to success in the business world were excitement, adventure and fun.

And the man behind the Red or Dead fashion label backed the Lancashire Telegraph’s We’re Backing Business campaign, launched in association with Business Link Northwest.

Mr Hemingway, a former pupil of Queen’s Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn, said a recession was the best possible time to start a new business because people were looking for something new and different.

He said: “If you are bright and you have got ideas then this is a time to thrive. There is still money being spent out there.

“I started my first business in the depths of one of the worst recessions in 1979 and you can make yourself a big success.”

His tips to success are: l If you have an idea, go for it. It will be hard jobs" target="_blank">work and you’ll need to jobs" target="_blank">work every hour you can.

l Don’t be afraid of failure, but don’t bet everything on the business and if you don’t enjoy it, then pack it in.

l Do share ideas and be decent to your suppliers. Don’t let others down; don’t be arrogant and don’t overextend yourself financially.

Our business campaign is calling for companies to get the help that is available from Business Link.

This was launched amid the recession and the steady stream of firms, both nationally and in East Lancashire, going out of business.

Research from Business Link shows that firms taking advantage of the help being made available to them are more likely to survive.

Khalid Saifullah, Business Link Northwest’s relationship manager for Lancashire, said: “Many partner organisations have already lent their support to the campaign and feel that it is exactly what the businesses in East Lancashire needs.

Its objective is to help signpost local businesses to the help available to them, which will ultimately benefit the economy.

“We are keen to engage with partners throughout the campaign to ensure that it is addressing local priorities and reflecting the needs of companies on the ground. There may also be the opportunity for partners to jobs" target="_blank">work with us in delivering events and workshops.”

To contact Business Link visit the website below or call 0845 00 66 888.