More than 10 million people in the UK dream of packing in their jobs and starting their own business, according to a new poll.

However, the research by Business Link found that a third of these entrepreneurial dreamers will never get round to turning their idea into an actual business because of fear of failure.

Rosemary French of Business Link said: “Many people who wish to start their own company can be put off due to fear of failure or uncertainty about how to start.”

 " However there is a wealth of free information, advice and support available locally and online, to help budding entrepreneurs every step of the way.”

According to the poll, the average worker spends three days a year day-dreaming about their future business from their desk, and one in five of those intending to start up a company plan to do so within 12 months.

French added: “It’s encouraging to see how many people dream of setting up their own business to enjoy the flexibility and benefits of working for themselves.”

Motivations for starting a business include being unhappy at work (15%), to turn a hobby into a paid venture (25%), wanting to earn more money (37%) and wanting more freedom (40%).

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008