The history of mankind has been dominated by people who have changed the way society thinks and lives. Today more and more businessmen are reshaping lives because, not to put too fine a point on it, business affects everybody. Eventually the theory and practice of business not only affects the quality of life but how to achieve the desired quality of life. Indeed, it often defines it! To make a 'living' is a wonderful innuendo to explain how business shapes lives. As is the phrase 'the business of life'.

Today it's more accurate to describe a business as a 'profession', not the once despised 'trade'. Money earned with business is no longer considered stigmatic, or a social embarrassment, nor is it amoral. It is desirable and laudable, when the rules are adhered to. There is a noticeable reduction of accusations of moral compunction, in the accumulation of it. Business people are respected figures and increasingly becoming role models.

There is a worldwide trend, a new and broader interpretation and acceptance of the role of the entrepreneur in society. The business, financial and investment agencies have come to recognise the significant contribution of people who want to go out and start new enterprises, add wealth and market value with their own endeavours. These include those intrepid individuals who buy unprofitable organisations and, leveraging resources and skills, to stage a turn around.

The past decade has already seen an increase in the number of businessmen, or entrepreneurs, leaving their safe perches in solid companies to run their own businesses. They are trendy, opportunistic, vigorous, enthusiastic, quick to learn and quicker to change... and I shall always rout for their success. They are the new aristocracy.