So, you have your qualification from one of the world’s top business schools; you have excellent numerical, analytical and commercial skills; you have a background in investment banking or accounting. That’s enough to get you into the private equity industry, but not yet enough to mark you out as great.

Phenomenal attention to detail and an ability to take a contrarian view can provide the X-factor, according to Garry Wilson, head of turnaround firm Endless. He said: "Looking for the angle that no one else can spot is where the returns are.