More businesswomen an 'economic issue'

Date: 3rd November 2008

Female-lead business start-ups are to receive a £500,000 boost, the government has revealed.

The news has coincided with the debut of the National Women's Prowess Policy Centre (PNPC), which was launched at an 11 Downing Street Reception on Friday (October 31st).

The funding will come from the department for business, enterprise and regulatory reform and aims to push up the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK by raising awareness and promoting best practise.

Shriti Vadera, minister for competitiveness and small business, commented: "There are 20 per cent more people in enterprises in the US than in Britain, and the majority of that gap is made up of women.

"Getting more women entrepreneurs is an economic issues not just an equality issue."

The PNPC scheme is set to be taken up not only across government, but regional development agencies, financial institutions and large corporations.

In other news, business start-ups have until January 31st to file an online self-assessment tax return with HM Revenue and Customs.