Britons are becoming increasingly driven toward starting up, as a new poll shows growing numbers of young people say they would like to run their own business.
Research from Norwich Union for Your Business reveals that just over eight in 10 people between the ages of 19 and 30 say they would or have considered starting their own business.
Young people are more keen to set up a fashion or events business, the survey found, followed by starting and running a bar, which is the dream of a third of all 22- to 45-year-olds surveyed.
The internet is overwhelmingly the place of choice to do business among older workers. Half of all respondents between 31 and 50 said they would like to become an internet entrepreneur.
Despite the failure of many high-profile dotcom firms following the 1990s boom, respondents said they are now better informed as to what it takes to make a business successful.
"Starting up on your own has always required courage, knowledge and of course some luck," said Louise Spear, or Norwich Union for Your Business.
"However, the appeal of being your own boss and having greater control over your life seems to be increasingly outweighing the challenges associated with setting up your own business."
Among successful entrepreneurs, Body Shop-founder Anita Roddick came on top as the most inspiring to women, while Richard Branson was most admired among men.
Roddick, surprisingly, came last amongst men, trailing ice cream entrepreneurs Ben & Jerry, easyJet's Stelios Haji-Ioannou and broadcaster Chris Evans.
