New data has highlighted the best cities for women to start a business in 2022.
The index from payments provider Dojo analysed the number of self-employed women who have started a successful business, and also the number of women employed in these cities, which shows the access to equal opportunities in employment.
Chelmsford ranks as the best city in the UK for women to start up their own business. Known for being the first city in Essex, Chelmsford benefits from having a strong five year survival rate for businesses with 40% of businesses set up in the region lasting for a minimum of 5 years.
Likewise, 36% of females in the region are self-employed, one of the highest percentages in the index, showcasing the potential success for female entrepreneurs here. Chelmsford scored a total index score of 65 out of 100 making it the best city in the UK for women to start a business!
Worcester is the second best city in the UK for females to start a business
Worcester has been ranked as the second best city in the UK for women to start a business. Similarly to Chelmsford, 40% of Worcester’s female workforce are self employed. Whilst working in the city you can expect an average weekly income of £569, giving Worcester a ranking of 18 out of 44 in the average weekly pay index. Overall, the West Midlands city scored a total index score of 62 out of 100!
Carlisle is the third best city in the UK to start a women-led business
The city of Carlisle is located on the Scottish border and has been ranked as the third best city in the UK for women to start a business. With an overall index score of 61 out of 100 it has a 5 year survival rate of 38%. Office floor space in Carlisle also costs an average of £98 per metre square to rent, making the costs of setting up a business lower compared to other cities in the UK.
York and Debry rank in the top 5 UK cities for women to start a business
Next in fourth place is the city of York. Data showed that businesses in York have 46% survival rate, the highest in the index, suggesting that women looking to set up a business in the city can operate with a certain level of confidence. Overall, York scores a total index score of 61 out of 100!
Rounding off the top 5 is Derby. The industrial city has one of the cheapest for office floor space value, at an average of £70 per metre square meaning the costs of starting a business in Derby are lower. This makes the city a more attractive option for women entrepreneurs on a budget. Additionally, the average weekly pay in Derby is £709, the highest in the index.