Press & PR

Would-be entrepreneurs have been encouraged to take the plunge and attempt to set up their own business, although they should remain aware that it may be difficult.

According to the president of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE), Tanya Hine, building a business from scratch will be a challenge.

"It's not an easy option; you have got to be dedicated and you have also got to sacrifice things certainly if you come from a corporate environment," she said.

"Always follow your dream but realise that it is likely that you are going to be much better paid in your current environment than you ever will when you run your own company... or at least until your company begins to turn over millions."

According to a Siemens study, small business could save substantially on their outgoings by making use of new communications technology, such as VoIP.

Firms could make free UK and Ireland calls over the internet and receive a fax line for just £16.16 a month (plus VAT) under Vonage's Small Business Unlimited price plan.