Yesterday I read something that, to be honest, I normally avoid....the Metro. It's not that I don't like the newspaper, it's just that I would rather spend my time reading something more substantial, or spend my time plain old thinking (I think a lot as an entrepreneur - sometimes resulting in severe brain-ache).

However, one article caught my eye and it was that regarding Richard Branson's Centre of Entrepreneurship. This is going to be based in Montego Bay and the man (one of my true inspirations), yet again, is pioneering for young entrepreneurs to follow their creative juices and set up on their own.

Being an entrepreneur isn't easy - many people ask me how I manage to fit everything into a working day/week/month/year. Half the time I don't know how I do it! I guess being motivated is a start, and believing 110% in what you are doing. Branson advises that although we all make mistakes, will that/those errors 'bring the house crashing down around you?' The answer is normally 'no'. So in short, learn from your mistakes and plough on. I think you have to be a certain character to do what I and countless other entrepreneurs do. Firstly, we are all slightly mad (not in a scary way, obviously, just so motivated and driven it is quite strange.....), we have guts, we think strategically about everything and we constantly mull over how to better ourselves and our business; we never miss an opportunity. This then begs the question again of being slightly mad - running a business and getting credit for it can take years and years - it is a long, drawn-out process that can cause a lot of frustration and pain along the way, but is so 100% worth it, in my opinion.

Branson includes a wonderful example of how his help and assistance brought life, money and a career to one lucky man. By offering intense mentoring and direction Branson helped a young designer to go from owning a tiny fashion design operation to being a big brand label showing at LFW and opening a string of retail outlets. I am salivating with awe and amazement. This is what this country needs (Branson, if you are reading this, please do contact me, Claire Watt-Smith!!), and indeed every country needs; mentors who provide a strong network of support for young talented business people. Without it, in this highly competitive and easily accessible global world, how can one young person do it on their own? We all need people to look up to and to contact when needed. Heather Wilkinson at Striding Out is a fantastic business coach. I was lucky to have won the Inspire and Mentor with Marie Claire, so see the talented Kate Bostock. Lastly, Craig Martin from DediPower is a true inspiration to me - my network might be varied, but I think that is the best way. Don't forget also your friends and family; they provide something so special, it is beyond words.

Running a business may be far from easy, but as Lesego Malatsi Mzansi quotes: "If entrepreneurs are well-equipped, well funded and supported then they will be able to contribute to the growth of the country by paying taxes, helping alleviate unemployment and fighting poverty". I think let's start - heck, we could all do with some mentoring! Cameron (and Mary Portas), come on!!

Claire Watt-Smith

Founder, BoBelle London

Saving our high streets - needs YOU

Growing a brand is certainly the hardest task I have ventured on, not to mention starting mid-recession. Getting people to desire your product, to generate feedback, to put yourself out there, never to say 'no' to any opportunity....it is incredibly tough. Mix that in with soaring costs, the public's desire for 'fast, cheap fashion', difficulties in getting press and small retailers buying fewer products, we end up in the current mess that we find today.

Mary Portas is set to help our fledging high streets (about time someone did) and we at BoBelle London are 100% behind her. Our high streets are turning into generic, homogenous places where all we see are Starbucks', Costa's, Tesco's, Primark's, Dorothy Perkins's and such like. One word. BORING. What happened to individuality? What happened to fashion that wan't fast and disposable, yet was loving and long-lasting? Everything is so quick today that we are kicking ourselves and are going to bear the consequences. Small retailers cannot cope with the high rental costs, rates, employee costs and such vast amounts of red tape. They buy fewer bits of stock which then in turn hurts the wholesaler. This hurts the manufacturer at the bottom of the chain. We need YOUR support! How? Here are some tips:

1. Your daily habit might be getting a coffee or the newspaper. Instead of Costa and Sainsbury's, grab the paper from your local newsagent and a coffee from your local cafe. They will appreciate your support!

2. If it's your friend's birthday or you just fancy giving yourself a treat, why not look at small labels rather than the high street? There are some great finds out there that won't necessarily cost the Earth.

3. If you have a good experience with an online retailer/shop, tell your friends about it! Put a link up on your Facebook and tell people - it's how businesses grow and survive.

4. If you really are passionate, write to your favourite magazine and ask them to feature more smaller labels rather than just the giants - they need to know what you want afterall!

5. Going shopping with the girls? Ignore Westfield, Oxford Street and the obvious cheap shopping magnets, go for a wander and stumble across somewhere unique. Crouch End, Portland Square, Camden Passage, Westobourne Grove - all of these places and more have fab shops, yummy cafes and guess what, a SOUL! Be advised by shop assistants who know, make a difference to a retailer who appreciates it and keep our small pockets thriving.

It doesn't take much to have a great effect - just a little bit of effort here and there. The fact is, if we don't make the changes now, the results will be at our own perril.

We wish Mary Portas every success and hope that we really do see change on our high streets (and smaller streets) for the better.

ps, I have been nominated for Britain's Top Real Role Model and would love your support! Please vote for me by creating an account (takes 10 seconds) and then on the nominees section hover over my name, Claire Watt-Smith, and click 'vote'. Thank you!