Most people say they will actively pursue their dreams in 2018; Half of Brits admit they have failed to make their dreams a reality previously; Exeter is the most ambitious city in the UK; top ambition for Britain is starting a business; Britons cite money, access to tech and confidence as their biggest barriers. Contributor Steven Bartlett, CEO and founder of Social Chain.

Research released today by Huawei, the worlds’ second largest smartphone manufacturer, has revealed the UK is a nation of creative, ambitious people, who are set on following their dreams, with 85 percent stating they have one or more goals they want to fulfil. Furthermore, 2018 looks set to be the year Britons take the plunge with 77 percent planning to actively pursue their goals in the next year.

The survey of 5,000 UK residents has been released in conjunction with Huawei’s ‘I Am What I Do’ campaign, which features tech-driven entrepreneurs showcasing how AI technology can enrich people’s lives to mark the recent launch of the AI powered Mate 10 Pro. The study takes a deeper look at which areas of the UK are leading the way, with Exeter topping the table of most ambitious cities (60 percent). When it comes to our top ambition, 57 percent of us want to start our own business with current barriers to doing so including a lack of access to the right technology (74 percent), confidence (36 percent) and cash flow (75 percent).

When it comes to the current passion points of the UK, London is the most ‘social’ with 38 percent wanting to become a social media star whereas those in Belfast are the most ‘creative’ with 29 percent wanting to pursue becoming a film-maker or photographer. The ‘foodie’ capital is Leeds with 11 percent wanting to open a deli or bakery, and the ‘tech’ capital is Newcastle with 15 percent wanting to create their own app. The aspiring philanthropic capital is Glasgow with 11 percent wanting to start a not-for-profit.

Leading psychologist and life coach, Corinne Sweet comments on the research, explaining: “In an increasingly fast-moving, 24/7 world, people need to have access to the right tools to be able to realise their visions, cope with the pace of modern life and achieve their goals. Technology can be a huge aid as we want to be able to operate on the move, across borders and clearly, with each other. It’s time for Britons to use technology to empower them psychologically, to help turn their dreams into reality and to create financial and social success”.

Steven Bartlett, CEO and founder of Social Chain said: “It doesn’t surprise me that we are an ambitious nation. I see every day people who have incredible ideas and goals. I firmly believe technology can help people achieve their dream be that a professional goal or a more lifestyle focused desire. I have used technology to build a business that was a long term dream of mine and am delighted to be working with Huawei to inspire people to use technology to unlock their own potential.”

Commenting on the research, Huawei UK Managing Director, James Jie, said: “At Huawei we believe smartphone technology is key to empowering people and helping them to make the impossible possible. We believe our latest product, the AI enabled Mate 10 Pro, to be the device that will help them to do this.”

The research ranked the nation’s most ambitious cities:

• Exeter
• Leeds
• Cardiff
• Birmingham
• Bristol

Among the nation’s top ambitions are:

• Start own business
• Open a restaurant
• Design an App
• Become a social media influencer
• Own a home

The top barriers to achieving your goals are:

• Not having enough money
• Needing better technology
• Confidence
• Motivation
• Time