Nearly a third of workers believe they could run the business they work in better than the current owners or senior management, research finds.

Nearly a third of workers believe they could run the business they work in better than the current owners or senior management, research finds.

Nearly two fifths (38 per cent) feel they could do a better job than their immediate line manager, according to a study by lending site borro.com.

The report also reveals that some 12 million adults (24 per cent) either have plans to set up their own business in the near future, or would like to do so at some stage in the future.

Of those who are hoping to set up their own business at some stage, but cannot currently do so or have decided against it for now, nearly half (44 per cent) believe they currently lack the funds needed for the start-up costs associated with taking the plunge and setting up a business.

A further third (32 per cent) say they have been unable to raise enough additional capital from external sources, including banks and alternative finance measures.

Borro CEO Paul Aitken says, ‘Britain is a nation of business leaders in waiting – as the economy struggles, a third of Brits are sitting frustrated in their jobs believing that they could do a better job than their boss.

‘Despite the recession, British ambition is alive and kicking again, so it’s time for employees to come out of the shadows and take control. If people feel they could do a better job than their boss, they should be encouraged to follow their dreams and become their own boss.’

Aitken adds that for many, the dream of running their own company is being quashed by a lack of support from the banks to secure the lending that they require. ‘SME owners of the future will be the heartbeat of the UK economy and they should not be disheartened in their quest for capital. There are alternative and quick options available for people to get their hands on business funding.’

See also: Coaching for SME directors