The UK female entrepreneur is in her early 30s, tech savvy, well connected and thrives on risk, according to a survey released today by Aurora, the UK's largest business women's network.

The survey of 2000 Aurora members conducted for BT found that female entrepreneurs were a tech savvy bunch with 66% owning a portable data device and 99% knowing exactly what broadband was and what it could bring to their business.

28% of women in business use friends, family and other women for the technology and telecoms advice according to the survey in which women running their own businesses were asked about their attitudes towards computers and technology. Other sources of information included a Consultant – 17%, Internet 17% and Businesslink – 8%.

Whilst half of the women running their own business worked from home (50%) (44% office based, 4% client premises, 2% on the road), 58% were actively using broadband for their business with just 9% saying that they hadn’t even considered it.

23% of those who do not use broadband said it was because it wasn’t available and 21% said it was cost. Interestingly less than 1% of those who did not have broadband said it was because they didn’t understand it.

However 87% of women surveyed said that investment in broadband is and would be vital to their business in the future.

The results of the survey are released as Aurora launches the first ever, free monthly networking events and expos specifically for the growing numbers of female entrepreneurs.

The new women owned business forums will begin on 9th February at BT Centre in the City and are expected to host over 300 female entrepreneurs per event. Each event will bring together women who have just started their businesses with women owning and running SMEs and multi-million pound companies, to share experiences, discuss issues and pass on advice.