Nearly a quarter of Britons surveyed have ambitions to start their own business, with the most popular choice of new company start-up being an internet-based business, according to a poll of over 2,000 adults by YouGov.

Despite the current recession the general public still have ambitions to go into business themselves, with 23% of those surveyed wanting to set-up a new company, with this figure rising to 38% for those under 34. The second most popular choice of start-up was to open a tea/coffee shop, followed by starting a restaurant/pub.

The poll also revealed that business ambitions varied from region to region, with the highest number of budding entrepreneurs in the capital where 34% of those surveyed have ambitions.

Only 20% of those in the North have similar ambitions, but those in Scotland are the biggest risk takers, with 23% wanting to start a business because they like to experience risks and challenges.