Member Article

Women closing entrepreneur gap

Women across the UK are setting up more businesses than last year and even overtaking start-ups by male entrepreneurs in some regions, reveals research by Barclays.

Women started 38,100 businesses in the first six months of this year compared to 34,600 in the same period last year, an increase of nine per cent. Women led the growth of entrepreneurial endeavors in three regions across the country – the East Midlands, London and Yorkshire. In the East Midlands the growth for men was 8% compared to 11% for women; Yorkshire 16% for men and 23% for women and London was 10% for men compared to 16% for women.

However, there is still some way to go before the levels of female-led start-ups match those of men. Across England and Wales 140,300 businesses were started by men, compared to 38,100 by women.

John Davis, marketing director for Barclays Local Business commented: “Start-ups remain buoyant this year and it’s clear that in many areas women are taking the lead and demonstrating how much they can contribute towards the business sector and the UK economy as a whole. Business start ups such as property services, which include interior design and property development, offer increasing flexibility and are proving very popular with women who are often juggling careers and family commitments. Also in the 21st century there are a lot fewer barriers to entry for women and they are taking advantage. I am sure in a few years time, that in some areas of the market, more businesses will be started by women than men.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .