07 June 2006 Van drivers spark new trend in "mobile entrepreneurs." A nationwide survey commissioned by Norwich Union Direct van insurance* has identified a new generation of business professionals and has coined a new phrase for this group, "vantrepreneurs". The new phrase and survey coincide with the launch of Norwich Union Direct’s search for the "Vantrepreneur of the Year" where one dynamic and successful van owner could win £10,000**. The survey provides new insight into one of the country’s fastest growing entrepreneurial sectors. Dispelling old misconceptions, today’s van owner-driver is a health conscious, well educated and well groomed van professional who regularly uses their van as a mobile office. The survey questioned over 500 UK van owner-drivers on a range of topics associated with their businesses. Questioning a cross section of business types from caterers to florists and from plumbers to builders, the survey showed that these self-employed entrepreneurs have aspirations for their businesses beyond old "white van man" misconceptions. Well educated Almost a quarter of van owner-drivers surveyed had a degree; a further 25% had O-Level or GCSE qualifications and 20% had A-Levels. Health conscious In a shock finding, "vantrepreneurs" have cast aside the traditional fry-up and instead regularly enjoy a healthy breakfast.

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Notes * Independent research commissioned by Norwich Union Direct van insurance and undertaken by 72Point.com. The sample consisted of 559 adults. Study undertaken between 22 March – 5 April 2006 53% of women van drivers are self employed, compared to only 44% of men. 23% of van drivers are educated to degree level.  14% of male van drivers have regular beauty treatments to keep up their appearance. 12% of drivers have lucky charms in their vans. 30% of van drivers ensure that they have cushions with them. 6% of male van drivers have a fry up, compared with 32% who have either fruit or muesli. ** NUD Van is launching the national search to find the first Norwich Union Direct "Vantrepreneur of the Year" – if you are a van-entrepreneur, you could win £10,000 if you enter. To enter, single van owner drivers must explain in no more than 150 words explain why your van has been integral to the success of your business – and why you deserve to be the first Entries by e-mail NorwichUnionVanCompetition@borkowski.co.uk or write to Norwich Union Vantrepreneur of the Year, Borkowski, 71 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6ST Deadline for entries: Monday 31 July 2006 Competitions terms and conditions available from Borkowski PR 0207 404 3000. Norwich Union -