Sir Richard Branson has come top of a list of bosses that people admire for their innovation and generosity.

The list was compiled by Argos for Business and shows Sir Richard well ahead of the pack when it comes to being admired by the UK public.

Also-rans included Alan Sugar, with 11 per cent of the vote and Peter Jones with just seven per cent – meanwhile Dragons’ Den favourite Duncan Bannatyne scored a measly two per cent.

The latter figure was lower than fictional characters including David Brent with 3.2 per cent and Amanda Priestly from the film The Devil Wears Prada with 3.6 per cent.

Danny Clenaghan, Managing Director at Argos for Business, said: “Richard Branson is especially well known for some of the great reward perks he gives to employees in order to say, job well done.

“Customer rewards and loyalty gifts have fast become an important tool in driving employee motivation and retention, especially during periods of tough economic recovery.”