Entrepreneurs - James W

At 25 James owns five companies and is the MD of four of them. His main business is BrewDog, a micro-brewery business which is the largest independent brewery in Scotland.

Growing up in a small fishing village in Scotland, James spent much of his time helping his father and grandfather out at sea. Inspired by what his father achieved, James developed a fascination with business. His earliest entrepreneurial venture was at the age of seven when he wrote a leaflet about sharks and sold it at a bring-and-buy sale for a profit of £1.40.

James studied law and economics at Edinburgh University and went on to work in a law office but he hated it. After only two weeks it was clear to James that law wasn't for him and instead he spent two years working in the family fishing business and training as ship's captain.

Itching to run a business of his own, James started BrewDog with his best friend Martin Dickie in 2006. They produce about 120,000 bottles of beer a month and export their specialist brews around the world.

James is a self-confessed risk taker who likes to be different. He veers away from the more traditional and conventional approaches to business and is keen to be innovative in everything he does.

He has a lot of faith in himself and his ability to take his companies where they need to go. He's completely committed and willing to work hard to get them where he thinks they should be. In 2007 James was named Scotland's Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

To make a successful entrepreneur James says you need an ability to take risks, determination, drive and a willingness to work hard.

Workaholic James is used to making quick decisions and is looking forward to thinking on his feet while on The Last Millionaire. He's also excited about pitting his wits against other successful business people.

He feels his experience on the fishing boats, working in a hard environment, will stand him in good stead for The Last Millionaire.

James is used to travelling but says he'll miss his girlfriend, his Dad and his business partner while he's away. He's also convinced himself that he needs five pillows to sleep and says he'll go a little bit mad if he can't find enough at the hostel.