The research, from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Study of South East Wales, also called for further aid to help people overcome the main barriers to starting a business.

The proportion of people starting a business in South East Wales stood at 5.1%, compared to 5.5% for Wales as a whole.

Individuals' perceptions, a lack of opportunities and a lack of confidence in having the skills needed to start a business were seen as the main issues why people did not choose to start enterprises.