From a job in the mail room at EMI Music Publishing Cowell rose through the ranks swiftly and after becoming a record producer at the firm, left to set up his own company. Following the collapse of his first business and a time at BMG, Cowell went on to pioneer the Popstars TV talent show, and subsequently co-produce Pop Idol and more recently The X Factor. As a music producer he has achieved sales of over 25 million albums, over 70 top 30 records, and 17 Number 1 singles. His band 'Westlife' has achieved an impressive 10 Number 1 hits alone.

The Sunday Times Rich List recently estimated that he earned £33.5m in one year alone, thanks to the global success of the 'Pop Idol' brand.

The 10 Secrets of the International Music Mogul are:

• Work Your Way Up – get to know your industry


• Don’t Be Defeated – how to overcome set backs in business


• Grab Opportunities – respond to the market


• Know Your Market – and consistently produce the product they want


• Think Differently – take your product and spin it in different formats


• Get Your Name on the Credits – and reap the rewards


• Don’t Look Back – learn from missed opportunities but keep moving forwards


• Say it How It Is – straight talking saves time in business


• Build a Personal Brand – and be respected for what you do well if nothing else


• Use Your Contacts – there is no shame to pulling strings in business