Setting up a business is a popular aspiration among young adults in Britain, according to a new study.
Research by the Prince's Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) found that 41 per cent of 18 to 30-year-olds in the UK would like to set up their own enterprise.
The survey also showed that more than three-quarters of this group already have a business idea.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince's Trust, hailed this as a "fantastic" development, but said it is "vital" that these people receive the necessary support to make their visions a reality.
"Our economy needs fresh input and young inspiration," Ms Milburn commented.
The survey also showed that 23 per cent of 18 to 30-year-olds in the UK would feel more comfortable setting up a business today than they would have done earlier in the year.
However, nearly one in five respondents with a business idea said they intend to wait until the British economy starts growing again before they put their plans into practice.
Stephen Boyle, head of group economics at RBS, said the study shows there is a lot of "pent-up entrepreneurial activity" across the country.
He stated that if the worst of the recession has now passed, it is reasonable to hope that young business start-ups can play an "exciting role" in the UK's recovery.
"As the economy stabilises, there will be new opportunities for the UK's young entrepreneurs to come up with viable business ideas that will help to grow the economy," Mr Boyle added.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the UK economy contracted by 0.4 per cent during the third quarter of the year.
This means that the current recession has been the longest since records began in 1955, as the economy has shrunk for six quarters in succession.
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