More women setting up businesses but they still lag behind the men

An increasing number of women are setting up their own businesses to get more flexibility between work and family life, according to research for the Government.

Most of them are very positive about the benefits of being self-employed with 86% saying they would be prepared to set up their business all over again if necessary.

The research, commissioned by the Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, reveals that there are now more than one million self-employed women in the UK. That's a rise of 17% since 2000. They still lag behind men, however. Even though women make up half the population, they only account for just over a quarter of the total number of self-employed.

Now ministers are starting a publicity campaign to encourage even more women to set up their own businesses. Harriet Harman said: "Women want to call the shots by running their own business. They're recognising that being their own boss gives them control and allows them to balance their work and family life."

Anyone thinking of setting up a business should make sure they do their homework first and seek legal advice on a range of subjects from such things as leaseholds of premises, business contracts and employment matters.

We have helped numerous new businesses get off the ground and are able to offer advice on such things as whether to set up as a sole trader, partnership or a new company. We also have valuable contacts including accountants, surveyors, valuers and financial advisers who can provide added value to the services we provide.