Women’s ambitions to run their own business is on the rise in the UK, according to the early findings from ACCA’s forthcoming Global Talent Trends 2026 report.
Released ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, the new survey data shows that 32% of women working in finance and accounting in the UK now aspire to become entrepreneurs, up from 27% last year.
The data shows that entrepreneurial ambition is most pronounced among younger female professionals, particularly Generation Z and Millennials, with half suggesting they want to be entrepreneurs in the future. This points to a generational drive towards autonomy, impact and financial independence.
Helen Brand, ACCA CEO (pictured), said: “Entrepreneurship represents economic empowerment in action. The number of women aspiring to own their own business is an encouraging signal that finance and accountancy skills are equipping women not only to lead within organisations, but to build enterprises of their own. Accountancy provides a powerful platform for entrepreneurial success, combining financial expertise, governance, risk management, technology, and strategic insight. For UK economic growth and equality, it is vital we support women to translate ambition into enterprise.”
