Giving business advice at an event organised by Train 2000 in Liverpool, Professor Susan Marlow of Leicester Business School calls for more female role models.

Professor Marlow addressed a number of subjects, including the challenges facing women setting up their own businesses, the Liverpool Daily Post reports.

While many people can identify with the likes of Anita Roddick or Laura Ashley, there is a need for more role models for women within the business community, she argues.

‘We need the next generation of entrepreneurs - people who are in school at the moment – thinking, yes, that’s something I can actually do,' the expert states.

It is important that groups, such as Train 2000, are able to highlight the success of entrepreneurs, she adds.

Tanya Hine, president of the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs, recently suggested that there are still ‘barriers’ to women seeking to go into business.