If just one in ten aspiring entrepreneurs in the UK set up their own business, 647,000 businesses would be created, potentially employing 1.1 million people, according to figures released today (16 November 2009) by Enterprise UK. The research has been released to launch this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, which links people from across the globe to develop their enterprise skills, confidence and ambition. One of those celebrating the launch of his business was 23-year old Rajeeb Dey whose enternships.com site connects start-ups and small businesses with students and graduates looking for entrepreneurial work placements.

As part of the launch, global business leaders and economists- including Google UK MD, Matt Brittin, the Kauffman Foundation’s Carl Schramm and the CEO of China’s biggest internet company Alibaba.com, David Wei – gathered at the British Library’s Business & IP Centre to share their vision for how entrepreneurship can drive economic recovery.

The findings are based on new research carried out by YouGov on behalf of Enterprise UK which shows that 17% of adults in Great Britain want to start a business, equating to over six million people. The figures also show that the economic downturn hasn’t stifled entrepreneurial ambition as, for almost half (49%) of these people, the recession has had no impact on whether or not they choose to set up a business; in fact, the number of people expressing a desire to start up has increased from 12% in 2008.

Google’s Matt Brittin said: “It is now easier than at any point in history for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into a business reality. Start-up businesses can tap into a global market from the very day they're created, providing they find their niche with a good product or service and exploit it online. Incisive, dynamic entrepreneurs will be most successful during the first economic recovery in a truly digital world.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Whether they’ve built a global empire or work from their kitchen table, entrepreneurs are key to driving economic prosperity. Their contribution to the UK and global economy cannot be overestimated.

“Global Entrepreneurship Week helps ensure that the ideas and aspirations of all entrepreneurs are built in to successful enterprises.”

This is the second Global Entrepreneurship Week which, this year, has a focus on highlighting the role of enterprise in driving economic recovery. More than 80 countries across the globe are taking part, and millions of people will use the Week to connect with their global counterparts, unleash their enterprising talents and turn their ideas into reality.

This comes on the back of research in the US by Global Entrepreneurship Week co-founders, the Kauffman Foundation, which shows nearly all net job creation in the U.S. since 1980 occurred in firms less than five years old. In other words, for the economy to have a sustained recovery, it’s up to entrepreneurs to lead the way.

"Job creation is the number one issue facing families and policymakers during this economic recession, and this study shows that new businesses and entrepreneurs are the key factor in adding new jobs," said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation.

Global Entrpreneurship Week includes: the annual Make Your Mark Challenge, the UK’s largest one-day enterprise competition (16th November); Women’s Enterprise Day (18th November); Social Enterprise Day (19th November); and Home Enterprise Day (20th November). Global Entrepreneurship Week is coordinated by Enterprise UK. For more information visit www.gew.org.uk and www.unleashingideas.org