Can you pick The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick out from a line up of celebrities? What about West Ham vice chair Baroness Karen Brady?

Ahead of International Women’s Day, small business marketing materials provider, Vistaprint asked 1,000 respondents to identify images of both acclaimed men and women in business; and the results showed that Brits are almost three times more likely to recognise famous business men than women.

The new study further reveals that the British public generally struggles to name some of world’s most successful female business leaders from looking at their pictures.

While Harry Potter author JK Rowling topped the list of most admired British women in business, followed closely by Anita Roddick and Karen Brady, the most recognisable female business heroes are celebrities-turned-entrepreneurs, Victoria Beckham and Katie Price. 

When it comes to global leaders, only one in five Britons recognised Meg Whitman, Melinda Gates and Sheryl Sandberg. 

A key finding from the study is that more than three in ten respondents did not have a British business woman they admired, highlighting the need for stronger role models in business. 

For Vistaprint UK manager, Oliver Harcourt, the results show that a lot more needs to be done to celebrate business leaders, which is why Vistaprint wants to shine a light on all the dedicated and inspirational women in business. “From those running small businesses, working at the heart of their communities, like our customers, to those heading up multi-national corporations. Let’s give all women in business the appreciation they deserve and celebrate the incredible contribution they make,” he says.

10 most inspirational British business women

1. J. K. Rowling
2. Anita Roddick
3. Karren Brady
4. Deborah Meaden
5. Vivienne Westwood
6. Michelle Mone
7. Victoria Beckham
8. Samantha Cameron
9. Katie Price
10. Hillary Devey