Vacuum cleaner inventor James Dyson is the top role model for Bradford's business leaders, according to research from Abbey National.

The survey also found one in ten of the city's small business bosses think they are like Coronation Street's Mike Baldwin.

Abbey National, which has its regional head office in the city, found 60 per cent of the district's small business entrepreneurs believe they share Dyson's "level headed" business acumen. Nine per cent said they are more of a "wheeler dealer and risk taker" like the Mike Baldwin character.

Body Shop creator Anita Roddick was the third most popular figure, chosen by seven per cent for her "ethical and visionary" business dealings. The least favourite was Virgin boss Richard Branson, who got five per cent of the votes.

The New Entrepreneurs Survey found Dyson's cool approach to commerce is very much at the heart of small businesses in the district.

The majority of business leaders polled, 54 per cent, said they are motivated by being their own boss. Just 18 per cent said their motivation comes from making money.

A third, 33 per cent, of small company bosses said "you have to take a few risks in business", but just three per cent admitted to being "a real business daredevil".

Only 24 per cent, said they do not take any risks.

Heather Faulkner, Abbey National's regional business manager, said: "Small business entrepreneurs are driven by a sense of achievement and hard work."