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Women increasingly attracted to self employment

Women are actively leaving their jobs and moving into self employment, according to new research.

Since 1990 the number of women moving from employment to self-employment increased from 22.2% of all people moving to self-employment to 32.6%.

The figures come from UK enterprise support body Prowess. They also show that women are more likely than men to think that social, ethical and environmental considerations in business are important (59% compared with 48%).

Erika Watson, Executive Director of Prowess, said: “These figures are encouraging. “As the delivery of business support becomes embedded in the Regional Economic Strategies of the RDAs, this report provides a timely reminder of the importance of training, mentoring, coaching and networking for driving up the number of female entrepreneurs.”

Pam Alexander, co-chair of the Women’s Enterprise Task Force said: “The findings in this new report reinforce our Task Force objectives and highlight the action still needed to develop the focus of women’s entrepreneurship to its full potential.”

The research comes ahead of National Enterprise Week (12-16 November) when Women’s Enterprise Organisations and members of Prowess will be offering women further opportunities to explore self-employment.

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