The average Briton relies on five friends despite their 180-person networks, find study

'Support can come from anywhere and more often than not it’s people you’ve known all your life'

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The average Briton has a social network of 180 people – but only relies on five of them, a survey has found.

The poll of 1,500 adults revealed partners are most likely to be in the "circle of trust", along with parents and siblings. It also found we turn to the trusted inner circle for help or support at least twice a month.

“Having the support of others can be instrumental to success, but it’s not always about having friends in high places," said digital entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, who is working with American Express, which commissioned the study. ‘’Support can come from anywhere and more often than not it’s people you’ve known all your life.’’

The study also found for nearly half of respondents (47 per cent), this ‘social support network' has become more important today than ever before.

More than a third put this down to busier lives while 28 per cent blamed an increased pressure to succeed. Many believed that having a support network around you is one of the most important factors to self-achievement.

Additionally, the research identified the support network is primarily made up of a “backer” (64 per cent), a “comforter” (62 per cent) and a “cheerleader” (62 per cent).

It also consists of a “constructive critic” (45 per cent) and a “big picture thinker” (40 per cent).

Mr Edwards added: “I’ve relied on my parents more than anyone else. They’ve helped back me on many occasions and given me the encouragement to get to where I am today. For example, they bought me my first camera for Christmas when I was 15 which is when I really got into making videos and I became inseparable from the camera.”

The Top 5 most popular types of people in support networks:

1. Backer – Someone you can count on to have your back (64 per cent)

2. Cheerleader – Someone that cheers you on and encourages you (63 per cent)

3. Comforter – Someone who will comfort if you fail (62 per cent)

4. Constructive Critic – Someone who offers constrictive criticism (45 per cent)

5. Big Picture Thinker – Someone who makes you see the bigger picture (40 per cent)