Swindon workers are afraid to start their own businesses.

A new study by Lloyds TSB Business suggests 71 per cent of Swindonians have considered striking out on their own.

But almost half (48 per cent) have not done so because they feel running a company is too much responsibility for them.

This is twice the national average.

Steve Pratt, senior business manager for Lloyds TSB in the Swindon area, said the fear of the unknown was often enough to put people off going it alone.

"The Swindon area is certainly full of potential entrepreneurs and it's encouraging to see that nearly three quarters of people have at least considered setting up their own business," he said.

"However, it seems that this appetite often fades due to a fear of the unknown and concern that going into business for yourself might be too much of a responsibility."

Mr Pratt said the key to overcoming fears about going into business was getting organised.

"Breaking down barriers to start up is a priority," he said.

"This has got to be about providing expert help and support to the local business community in Swindon, encouraging them to look at their business ideas from every angle, and helping them to prepare first class business plans.

"This will help overcome the fear factor that prevents so many budding entrepreneurs from turning dreams into reality."

Dennis Grant, chief executive of Swindon Chamber of Commerce, said he was not surprised so many workers had considered starting out on their own.

"Running your own business can bring an awful lot of rewards," he said. "It's an opportunity to be your own man and make things happen in your own way.

"People like to make a difference rather than feel they are no-one in a long list."

The climate for new businesses in Swindon has improved over the past 10 years. But the risks and long hours involved still put some people off, he said.

"In the first three years of a new business there is always an element of risk," said Mr Grant. "But the satisfaction quickly takes over."

Andy Tate