Insider Media Limited

Television shows such as Dragons' Den and The Apprentice are a great method of encouraging young entrepreneurs. That's according to the founder and chief executive of Derby-based S&A Foods and member of Vince Cable's Entrepreneur's Forum, Perween Warsi. She told Insider that entrepreneurs were "at the heart of every successful economy".

She said: "TV shows like Dragons' Den are a great idea – not everyone has resources and funding to pump money into a business, but if these industry experts think it is worth pursuing, they will invest in it. It's a great platform for any entrepreneur, and there have been some great success stories. And with The Apprentice, the winner still has to work hard to make their business idea a success – it is not just handed to them."

Warsi will take a seat on the judging panel of the NatWest Everywoman Awards later this year, where she will help choose winning entries from female entrepreneurs from across the country.

"The women who win these awards have proven themselves by showing great determination, taking risks and being a success story," she said. "It's a great way to reward them.

"We will be looking for women who are in touch with what consumers want and need, who have proven themselves to be innovative and creative and who have taken big risks to get where they are."

Warsi, who was awarded a CBE in 2002, founded chilled meals business S&A Foods in 1986. Late last year, she was appointed to Vince Cable's Entrepreneur's Forum, alongside James Caan, Sahar Hashemi, the founder of Coffee Republic and Dawn Gibbins, founder of The Barefoot Foundation.

Warsi said: "Entrepreneurs are at the heart of any successful economy. Owning and seeing a successful business grow is very rewarding, both financially and emotionally. They are the ones that create the jobs, so that others can go on and explore their talents and encourage people to do bigger and better things."

She added that S&A Foods was planning to hit the expansion trail over the next year.

"We are aiming to grow and expand further across Europe," she said. "We are currently conducting some market research, coming up with ideas and working out our strategy. We're doing well as a brand in France, Belgium and Spain, so we'll be looking to continue expanding in those countries."