大象传媒

As the recession grips, more young people are doing their own thing.

With the job market harder to crack than ever, more and more young people are taking matters into their own hands and starting their own businesses. But what's it like trying to look after your global business empire when you're supposed to be doing your homework ? In Young, Smart & Rich, Gemma Cairney meets six very different young entrepreneurs taking the world by storm.

Gemma talks to Lizze Leary (23) & Beth Widdowson (22), whose online shoe boutique is becoming a major player just one year after going live - they are now planning flagship stores in the world's fashion capitals. Sabirul Islam (20) is a bestselling expert on getting into business while you're still in your teens. He sold his first company at the age of 16 and is now in demand from Japan to the US. Daniel May (18) has been developing phone apps since the age of 12, and is building a new world of technology for the Windows Phone 7. Jamie Hutcheon (18) started his own Willy Wonka chocolate factory in his mum's kitchen, and hopes to make his first million within the next year. Finally, Adam Rossiter (27) started a business importing sports supplements for his gym mates whilst still at university, and now heads a company turning over millions of pounds every year.

So how did these mini Alan Sugars get started in business, and how will they cope with the money, the fame and the pressure of being the boss whilst their friends are slacking off playing football or getting into debt? Is it worth giving up a few nights out if you can retire at 21? And can anyone become Young, Smart & Rich? Having spoken to our young entrepreneurs we get some perspectives from experts in the field. Gemma speaks to Lily Lapenna who runs a charity offering people aged 11-18 small business loans for start up companies, and TV presenter Sarah Beeny who started her first business at school, become a property developer, set up a dating website and much more. They speak about the advantages of starting out young - and whether in the end there's more to play for than just the money.

A Sue Clark Production for 大象传媒 Radio 1.