Women may be more likely than men to become their own bosses, new research suggests.

A survey commissioned by smallbusiness.co.uk and carried out by Toluna, found that women are showing more enterprising spirit than men, especially in their younger years.

The research showed that 52 per cent of UK workers would give thought to running a business over the coming two years. Of those who registered an interest, 57 per cent were female.

For those in the younger age bracket (under 34), the difference was even greater, with 43 per cent of young women looking to run a business, compared to just 23 per cent of men. The roles reversed in older age, however, as 48 per cent of men aged 45 or older showed entrepreneurial spirit, compared to 34 per cent of women.

The results suggest that more women will be looking to start a franchise or a small business start-up over the coming years, especially if they are aged 34 or under.

The biggest reason for people wanting to run a business was the desire to adjust their work-life balance (33 per cent), whilst a further 25 per cent cited wanting to be their own boss, xlntelecom.co.uk reports.

Commenting on the figures, spokesperson for the British Retail Consortium, Richard Dodd, explained that running a business can be a great option for those struggling at the hands of low employment figures.

“Where someone is able to identify a niche, they can succeed,” he added.