- Two fifths plan to start their own business in the future -
(London, 01/06/2007) According to research released today by EO London (www.joineo.com), the UK branch of the internationally recognised Entrepreneurs Organisation, female entrepreneurial spirit in Britain is stronger than ever.
The survey, commissioned by EO London and conducted by YouGov, found that 44% of women in Britain have considered starting their own business, compared with 55% of men.
Regionally, London was found to be home to the greatest proportion of female would-be entrepreneurs, with 50% having considered starting their own business, compared with 46% of women in Scotland, and a much lower 37% of women in the north, where women were found to be 42% less likely than men to have considered starting their own business than men.
Looking at age trends among women, 35 - 44 year olds were found to be the age group most likely to have considered starting their own business (53%) compared with 49% of 18 – 24 year olds and 35% of 55+ year olds
However, when it comes to acting on entrepreneurial impulse, the picture was found to be more balanced with an equal 39% of men and 39% reporting some likelihood that they would act on their entrepreneurial desires, and start their own business in the future.
Regionally, the research revealed women in the Midlands and Wales to be the most entrepreneurially driven, with 51% reporting some likelihood that they will start their own business in the future, compared with 46% in London, and just 28% in the north where women were found to be 12% less likely to start their own business than men.
Comparing age groups, females aged 18-24 were found to be the most entrepreneurial women with 50% reporting some likelihood that they will start their own business in the future, compared with 45% of 24-34 year olds and just 33% of 45 – 54 year olds.
William Berry, Communications Chair for EO London, commented:
“These results buck the stereotype, proving that there is a wealth of entrepreneurial drive among women in the UK just waiting to be harnessed. The Entrepreneurs Organisation is all about helping and encouraging young entrepreneurs to succeed in their chosen field. However, female members currently represent just 13% of our total membership. With initiatives such as peer-to-peer learning, forums and networking events, we hope to reach a new generation of female entrepreneurs and encourage a growth in new enterprise in Britain.”
The Entrepreneurs Organisation, is an international organisation with over 6,000 members and combined sales in excess of $85 billion. The UK branch, EO London is made up of 50 of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the UK. To be a member you must be a founder or major shareholder in a company with a turnover at least £1m. The current combined turnover of UK members exceeds £100 million and the average member age is 32.
Earlier this month, William Berry, communications Chair of EO London, announced the launch of JoinEO.com, a site designed to represent EO London chapter and assist them in their target of growing from 50 to 100 UK members by Christmas 2007.