A multi-millionaire who made his money by setting up dozens of businesses has written a book of advice for hopeful entrepreneurs.

Risking It All is based on the TV series of the same name presented by Martin Webb.

In the book Mr Webb, who co-founded C-side, a company that still runs a chain of pubs and venues in Brighton and Hove, sets out rules people need to follow if their want to give up their jobs to follow an entrepreneurial dream.

These include advising people to make sure their ideas are viable and ensure they have the money, skills, motivation and "x-factor" for it to work.

The guide is filled with examples of people who have set up successful and unsuccessful businesses and looking at the reasons for their performance. It also contains tips that are not usually taught in business schools.

Mr Webb, 40, who lives near Holland Road, Hove, said: "The key to setting up businesses is you have got to be very realistic because it is one of the most difficult things you can ever do.

"You need commitment, energy, a good idea.

"The book is packed full of practical tips and facts that you don't learn in business school.

"There are lots of things taken from my 20 years in business."

Mr Webb is currently setting up a 500-acre country sports centre at Limoges in central France.

He sold C-side four years ago for £20 million.

He still owns the Medicine group of bars in London and the Robin Hood pub in Norfolk Place, Hove.

But he warned that not everyone can succeed at creating a business. He said: "My view is you're either an entrepreneur or you're not. I went to Brighton University but my skills were honed running businesses.

"My first was in Brighton in 1988. You need a lot of self-confidence and you need to be driven. You need to be able to keep a grand vision in your head while dealing with lots of details.

"Don't be afraid of being knocked back. New business is full of setbacks."

Mr Webb graduated from Brighton University with a degree in business studies and set up a design company in the late Eighties.

After it folded in 1992, he founded C-side with his business partner Simon Kirby. It became an empire of 28 venues in eight years.

Risking It All is on Channel 4 tomorrow at 8pm.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005