New figures reveal a nation of self starters

The number of new small businesses in the UK continue to grow unabated, according to figures released today by Norwich Union.

The research reveals that 79 per cent of 19-25-year-olds would prefer to be their own boss, 81 per cent of 19-30-year-olds would or have considered starting their own business, while 61 per cent of 26-45-year-olds said they would feel far more in control of their lives if they ran their own business.

Half of all 31-50-year-olds dream of owning an internet start-up, while just under half of all 19-26-year-olds want to set up either a fashion or events business. A third of all 22-45-year-olds dream of setting up a bar.

According to Norwich Union, Anita Roddick is the working woman most admired by British women, while Richard Branson topped the men’s poll.