I have been offered a place on a fully funded 4 year PhD programme (1st year is an MRes) in Energy Demand and the built environment at Loughborough University. I would like to do this, however I am unsure if this would benefit me in an industry career or starting my own company.

Does anyone have any advice that would help in my decision or to help me understand if a PhD would be worth it?

About me:

I am 24 years old and I hold a BA (hons) in Criminological Studies (2:1) and an MSc in Energy, Water and Environmental Management (Distinction) and I am currently working in a young energy reduction company who work with energy metering and control systems. The company has potential to go places and as I am only the 2nd employee I would move up the ladder with potential shares, however this is all IF's and nothing on paper.

A few of my thoughts:

A PhD is something that I have always wanted to do
I don't particularity want to work in Academia afterwards -although I would not mind
I am quite an entrepreneurial person who likes to problem solve and I don't see any limits to what I could achieve
My long term ambition is to design/ create something that makes a difference in this sector and startup my own company
I have a keen interest for renewable systems and smart technologies
This PhD would gain me extensive knowledge and many transferable skill that I personally think I need
Would 4 years out of industry be detrimental and would this essentially put my life on hold for 4 years?