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Scotland is the UK nation with the highest level of female entrepreneurs in the UK, according to new research by tech firm UENI.

It came out top in the survey with followed by England and then Wales with Northern Ireland trailing well back in fourth place.

The research from London tech company UENI surveyed 22,257 businesses throughout the UK and found that less than a third – 7,205 – were launched by female entrepreneurs.

Fife was ranked seventh among UK counties by proportion of women-owned businesses at 36.84%, the only Scottish county in the top twenty. Staffordshire was first with 41.72%.

Glasgow was ranked 10th in cities by proportion of businesses owned by women at 32.82% cent, the only Scottish city in the top 20. Derby was first with 40.57%.

The survey also showed that London was placed the ninth best city in the UK for its proportion of women-led companies.

UENI co-founder Christine Teylan said: “Not everyone is drawn to the idea of a city where the costs of housing and childcare are constantly rising.

“I think women are realising that there are more choices out there than ever before, it’s all about adapting and knowing the kind of business you’re setting up and where your customers are.”

The research found that female entrepreneurs account for 76.08% of the hair & beauty sector, and run the majority of gift & occasions and wellness related businesses.

However, they continue to be underrepresented when it comes to construction services, running only 4.9% of the UK’s construction businesses.

These numbers could point to a combination of difficulty raising funds, the biases female entrepreneurs face and lower survival rates for their businesses pushing women into more traditional sectors.