The number of female directors has broken through the one million mark as more women step in to the boardroom, it has been revealed.

The latest analysis of the 2.83 million directors in the UK, by global information services firm Experian, has found that, for the first time, more than a quarter (28 per cent) of UK directors are now female.

The number of female directorships is growing at a faster rate than male directorships, the study found. Between 2006 and 2007, the number of board positions held by women grew by 10.5 per cent, compared to a nine per cent for men.

The research found that female directors under the age of 30 are closest to reaching parity in numbers in the boardroom, and that Wales and the South West have the highest proportions of female directors, and for towns and cities, Truro tops the league.

Jo Howard, marketing director of Experian’s Business Information division, said: “Our latest report shows that women are making steady progress in the boardroom and in some sectors, cities and age groups they are starting to build up a real momentum. Breaking through the one million barrier is a great achievement, whilst the cracks that are visible in the glass ceilings of larger organisations demonstrate the positive contribution women are making to British business at all levels.”

The research suggests an increased tendency for older, more established businesses to appoint female directors.

Erika Watson, chief Executive officer of Prowess, the UK voice for women’s enterprise, said: “It is fantastic to see an increase in the number of female directors. Female leaders make great innovators, adopt a collaborative approach to management and invest in staff development - leading to highly successful businesses. Too many companies are still missing out on the impact diverse leadership can have on their bottom line, but this report shows that we are making progress.”