MORE women in the region are setting up businesses than ever before, according to figures published today.

Research by Barclays found that entrepreneurial activity among women in the North-East has grown by 28 per cent since 2000 and women in the region are responsible for about a quarter of the area's start-ups.

About 7,000 women set up businesses in the region last year - the highest level recorded.

Barclays said many women going down the entrepreneurial route were so-called singletons.

Single women setting up businesses have surged by 11 per cent since 2000 to 26 per cent.

Louise Fowler, head of marketing for Barclays Small Business, said: "With a staggering 28 per cent increase in business start-ups, today's female entrepreneur continues to demonstrate how she can successfully contribute towards UK businesses and the economy. As more women step away from traditional lifestyles, such as marriage, to have independence, our research proves that this generation of women clearly are more confident and able to successfully manage their businesses."

The survey showed that, despite the growing number of female entrepreneurs, there was a greater proportion of women encountering barriers to starting in business than their male counterparts.