The government would like to see this number rise to something more representative and it would like to see the proportion of all businesses owned by women rise to one fifth by 2006.

Owner managed businesses contribute £130 billion to the economy annually. The majority of these are run by men. If women were as proactive as men in starting up new businesses there would be an extra 150,000 new firms created each year.

The argument seems a little simplistic as it cannot account for the effects of market forces and the displacement of existing male run businesses should such a scenario arise. It is also important to focus on survival rather that start-up. It would be dangerous to push women into businesses that are not sustainable just to meet government targets.

However, the government is putting its money behind its mouthpiece and, as part of an attempt to redress the balance, has launched a new 'toolkit' for business advisers, entitled the 'Case for Women's Enterprise'. It outlines ways to encourage more female entrepreneurs. The proposal includes drawing up a formal 'Action Plan' through the Small Business Service to help women gain access to finance, and establishing a women's enterprise panel of successful female entrepreneurs.