Tycoon gives up his millions

Allan Willett turned a £100 investment into a £100 million global business empire - and now he is giving it away.

Like many retired self-made men, Mr Willett insists that anybody could do the same and, to help them along, he's prepared to give a major slice of his riches to anyone who wants to have a go.

After selling his electronic coding company for a hefty £50 million in cash last week, he plans to set up a special fund to help other budding entrepreneurs.

Mr Willett, 66, who started out selling vacuum-packaged cheese in the Sixties, said: "I have no intention of being the richest man in the graveyard, and my children understand that.

I have decided to help others who perhaps also have good ideas but no way of realising them."

Among Mr Willett's plans are a charity trust to introduce "bright people" to other wealthy investors keen to act as "business angels", and a think-tank to help British firms and trade unions improve business practices. He may also set up a US-style entrepreneurs' school in his home county of Kent.