YOUNG people are more keen to work for themselves than ever before.

More than half of sixth formers and university students would consider setting up their own business after they finish education, according to a new survey.

And at a time when new figures from the SNP suggest Scotland lags behind the rest of Europe in terms of new business ideas, the study reveals one in four young people have an innovative business idea that they would like to pursue.

Pete Ferns, director of NatWest Business Banking, said: "With the future of the UK's economy in the hands of today's school and university students, it is extremely encouraging to see such ambition and drive among them.

"This kind of thinking and enthusiasm needs to be supported to cultivate enterprise in the country."

Of those who would consider going it alone, two thirds would do so because of the independence that it might offer them, more than half want to be their own boss and 30% think that by starting up their own business they will have a better standard of living.

The NatWest Student Money Matters survey also reveals that for more than 40% it is simply because they do not want to join the rat race by going into a typical office job.

When asked about the rewards that running a small business can offer, more than half said they would reward themselves with flexible working hours and a third hoped to get more holidays than they would in a standard office job.

Only a modest one in five would award themselves a bonus.

Pete added: "Starting up a business is challenging.

"It is a big step that requires a lot of hard work and unwavering commitment."

One young entrepreneur who has proved to be a success in the business world is former Glasgow University student Michael Bowes.

He decided not to pursue a career in law after graduating to launch Barhand, a vending machine for distributing alcohol in bars.

The concept has proved a big hit, winning Michael a glut of business awards and leading to discussions with Japanese engineering firms about taking the concept further.

According to SNP figures, Scotland has the lowest long-term growth rate in the EU.

Official statistics put economic output at £16,944 per head (excluding oil revenue), well below an English rate of £18,097.

Research and development spending is below the rate for the UK, and patent filings per 10,000 of the population stands at 2.1 for Scotland compared to 3.1 across the whole of the UK.