The research by everywoman, an online network for businesswomen, and NatWest was based on interviews with 1,887 women whose businesses had an average turnover of 1.3 million pounds about role models for women who want to run their own companies.

The poll found 86 percent of participants agreed that celebrity entrepreneurs played a positive role in encouraging women to set up businesses.

Those aged under 25 were three times more likely to be influenced by celebrity entrepreneurs over traditional role models, which the researchers said showed their influence is shaping the next generation of business owners.