A recent study has identified over 23,500 potential female entrepreneurs in York and North Yorkshire, underscoring a significant opportunity to boost regional productivity, which currently lags behind the national average. The research, inspired by the Alison Rose Review of Female Entrepreneurship, highlights the unique challenges faced by women in the region and proposes targeted policy changes to create a more inclusive environment for female-led businesses.
The study revealed that 79% of women entrepreneurs in the area have ambitions to grow their businesses, yet 31% lack access to, or knowledge of, available financial resources. Additionally, one in five women surveyed felt they were not taken seriously as entrepreneurs, and a striking 63% of young girls have never considered starting their own business.
Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships, and Engagement at the University of York, led the research. She stated, “This report seeks to serve as a catalyst for change and present the foundation for a roadmap to more inclusive and prosperous growth across the region. We call upon policymakers and key stakeholders to help crystallize and drive the policy considerations identified by the women themselves.”
The report outlines seven priority areas to better support both current and aspiring female entrepreneurs: building confidence, creating pathways to self-employment, improving access to finance, understanding and investing in customer acquisition, strengthening local infrastructure, offering mentorship, and enhancing business administration skills.
Andrea Morrison, from Andrea Morrison Coaching and FSB York and North Yorkshire Volunteer Area Lead, emphasized the importance of the findings, stating, “This report shows the extent of the barriers which affect women in business in our region and the enormous potential impact and benefits of enhancing our existing regional support.”
The study was a collaborative effort between Enterprise Works at the University of York, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and the Yorkshire & Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN).
