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Female-run businesses are 30 per cent more likely to be thriving through the downturn, a study has found.

Although three out of ten small and medium businesses (SMEs) fear they will not be here in 12 months time, female-run firms are more likely to be forecasting growth for the future, according to a report from workplace telecoms specialist Plantronics.

The report investigates what 'Super SMEs' – those that are thriving through the downturn - and struggling businesses did differently as the slowdown first loomed on the horizon.

The authors have built a template from their results to help other small firms survive the tough economic conditions.

David Molian of Cranfield School of Management, who contributed to the report, said: "The overall picture from the study is even more serious than I would have predicted."

However, he added: "The small number of super-performers will be the engine of growth for our economy and they share a common management philosophy: they invest in their staff."

Guidance during the slowdown is crucial, Plantronics says, as 62 per cent of all SMEs have never had to face a slowdown before.

The study's conclusions are presented in 'The Rise of The Super SME: A Guide to Plain Sailing through the Recession', which is available for download alongside a video featuring David Molian and Karen Gill of Everywoman.