# Survey finds van drivers favour entrepreneurial image and padel over pubs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/is-the-white-van-man-no-more-how-the-working-class-group-once-sneered-at-by-emily-thornberry-has-radically-transformed-and-now-prefer-to-be-known-as-entrepreneurs-who-enjoy-padel-over-the-pub/
- Published: 2026-11-15T18:00:19+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T18:18:08+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16294371/white-van-man-emily-thornberry-labour.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Many van drivers see themselves as business owners.
- Healthier habits and professional image are gaining ground.
- Padel is becoming a place to make business connections.

## Summary

Research by Mercedes-Benz suggests the traditional image of Britain’s van driver is changing, with many prioritising health, professional presentation and business networking. The shift matters because it challenges a familiar working-class stereotype, once brought into focus by Emily Thornberry’s controversial 2014 tweet about a home decorated with England flags.

In a survey of more than 1,000 drivers, 64 per cent said they felt healthier than previous generations; 69 per cent preferred to be known as entrepreneurs or business owners. Some reported choosing matcha, overnight oats and protein snacks, while 57 per cent said they struck deals on the padel court rather than in the pub. The article calls this newer group “Vantrepreneurs” and highlights Cardiff business owner Ruth Holland, who says her company takes pride in its uniforms and vans.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.