The 1,000-strong network will particularly concentrate its efforts on women over 30, who have recently had children, and those over 50, whose children have left home.

Industry and regions minister Margaret Hodge said the move had been provoked by figures showing that if British women started businesses at the same rate as their US sisters, there would be 700,000 more UK enterprises.

She told the BBC:

"This initiative will lead to a new women's movement...You have heard of the old boys' club - now we have the new women's network."

The 'army' will be recruited by Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), which will gather the support of around 100 women in their individual areas.