A THIRD of people in Yorkshire and Humber think Britain has more entrepreneurial spirit now than in the past.

According to a survey carried out by Lloyds TSB Commercial, 53 per cent think new technology makes starting a business easier.

Lloyds TSB launched the findings as it urged students and graduates to enter the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards, which will see university student and graduate businesses across Britain compete for a £50,000 investment and mentoring prize.

Another 15 per cent said business was easier these days because there are now more role models and potential mentors available to young entrepreneurs.

However, while almost a fifth of respondents say that there are now fewer barriers to setting up a business than there used to be, a reduction of red tape was identified as the factor that would help future entrepreneurs the most (46 per cent).

Furthermore, respondents said that when considering setting up a business other factors that would help them include an increase in advice and guidance (44 per cent), followed by more grants and awards schemes (38 per cent).