Here come the SaRaHs

They are single, they are independent and, unlike Bridget Jones, they love it that way.

The growing numbers of young women - dubbed Sarahs as they are single, rich and happy - are changing the face of the British economy. Career-orientated and successful, they are not looking for a man to help out with the mortgage or that new pair of Jimmy Choos. They don't need to - they have, on average, bank balances of £25,000.

The gender gap between salaries is narrowing, and according to a survey published this week, many women are deciding to stay single so they can keep control of the purse strings. By 2020, it's estimated one in four women in Britain will be single. But rich - and happy about it.

Milica Kastner, 29,
co-director of MiKast Movies
We set up MKM in September last year, and already have nine movies on the slate. I met Yvonne Michael, my partner, when I was developing Bend It Like Beckham, and we immediately hit it off. She'd produced two movies, so we dreamed up this great partnership of women and are going to give Working Title a run for its money. We are currently producing our first movie Telstar, starring, co-written and directed by Nick Moran, and work is all we do. We don't have time for anything else. All our money goes into the company, and so does our time - we often do 13-hour days.

It's so different working for yourself. It's your baby, and you want it to be hugely successful. It's very important to me that I stand on my own two feet - I grew up in a very successful film-making family and I want to be known for my own talents. Neither Yvonne nor I want to get married or even have a boyfriend currently. We're totally focused on projects for the next five years. Fun flirts are fine, but we need to get the work done. We love our career - we get on so well, it's a joy being in the office. We want MKM to be as big as MGM. We don't rely financially on anyone else - family or boyfriends, and that gives you a real feeling of freedom, and selfworth. I bought my own flat, with my own money - it's great not to have a mortgage. I'd always have a separate banking account, and I'd always continue with my career. My best friend just quit her job to get married and I think she's insane.

MONTHLY SPEND

Groceries -£200
Eating out - £500
Clothes - £500
Mortgage - (paid off )
Company overheads - £4,000
Car - £75
Treatments - £100
TOTAL -£5,375

Camilla Ridley, 32,
has had her own fashion label for nine years - she opened her first shop 18 months ago on the Fulham Road
My business is my life. I eat and sleep my career - I started making clothes when I was eight. I work 12 hours a day, and Saturdays and Sundays too, but I think it's really important to get out and meet people, and be glamorous, because if you're a designer, you're your own biggest advert.

People see you in your own label at Soho House, Home House, Woody's or the Groucho, and then they commission something from you. Going to parties that are covered by magazines such as Tatler and Vogue means publicity for me, it's part of the job.

I am very ambitious - I'd love to have shops worldwide and I'll always work. I could never be a housewife. My dreams of having a career have always been as important as dreams of a white wedding and babies.

I enjoy all forms of decorative art, so I've designed everything from curtains to lampshades. So my work is reflected in my home, and that helps me relax, because I love inviting friends round, cooking big dinners and having parties.

I'm financially independent and proud of it - I bought my flat in Notting Hill four years ago, with my own money - I've never relied on my family. I'm hugely independent. I'd definitely keep a separate account if I got married and take an equal part in making financial decisions. I could never be kept by my boyfriend or husband - it would be humiliating. I'd feel guilty about every penny, and it would be totally degrading asking for the money for a new pair of Christian Louboutins.

MONTHLY SPEND

Groceries - £150
Eating out - £500
Clothes - £400
Mortgage - £900
Company overheads - £5,000
Car - £400
Treatments - £200
Holidays - £150
TOTAL - £7,700

Denise Cameron, 31,
has her own reflexology clinic in South Kensington
My career has huge importance in my life - now more than ever. I went from having a steady job and salary to running my own business because I wanted my independence, and fulfilment. I wanted to do something I loved - it's given me enormous freedom and flexibility. You have a lot more at stake and I've never been more contented. I do work a lot of evenings and weekends, and I dedicate a lot of time to my career, but not to the exclusion of having a relationship. I'm far more financially secure than I've ever been. I bought my flat - with help from my parents - but set up my business without any loans.

It's extremely important to keep your independence. It gives you self-worth to be able to support yourself - you can lead your own life. I would always keep my own money separate, and I'd never allow someone to support me. You can't be over 30 and be asking someone else for £70 for a haircut. I'll definitely carry on working after I'm married. I love being in a relationship - but it's never been a huge dream of mine to get married - I'm very independent. I've always wanted to run my own show. This job has really helped me. I'm more sorted, confident and the happiest I've ever been. Relationships are important, but work will remain more important for the moment. It makes my life worthwhile.

MONTHLY EXPENDITURE

Groceries - £400
Eating out - £240
Clothes - £140
Mortgage - (paid off )
Business overheads - £700
Car - £200
Treatments - £50
Holidays - £150
TOTAL - £1,880 Melissa Thomson, 27, is co-director of Double D, an events and promotions company The company was set up three years ago - I am second in command. We host monthly parties at the CafÈ de Paris, the next is on Wednesday - I'm organising bands, break dancers, roller skaters, DJs, performance artists and more, and I love it. We also host celebrity events at the Cannes film festival. Next is New York, to Hugh Hefner's mansion - I'll go to five parties in five days, with Nicholas Cage, Huey from the Fun Lovin' Criminals and Kylie. What could be a bigger buzz than that?

My career has always been important to me. When I throw a great party or close a new deal, I am buzzing for days. I am financially independent and fiercely proud of it. I am 27 years old and I don't answer to anyone - it feels great. I work extremely hard. Make-up, shoes, beauty treatments and hair are quite an expense but important as I have to always look the part. The mortgage sets me back quite a bit.

My day usually starts with a breakfast meeting and you can probably find me still in Soho House having some sort of work related meeting at 9.30pm. So I'm proud - I've worked my backside off for everything I have. I could never be kept by a boyfriend - I wouldn't like to give anyone that control over me.

When you are married I feel like it's different. You are a team, a partnership and when you have children things change. I would hope that my husband would be supportive when we have a family.

I would definitely keep a separate account if I get married. I think having your own income and managing your own finances are very important. I bought my flat a year ago. It's in the Portobello Road area so I kind of feel that was a great achievement.

MONTHLY EXPENDITURE

Groceries - £250
Eating out - £200
Clothes - £600
Mortgage - £600
Taxis - £300
Gym membership - £200
Holidays - £50
TOTAL - £2,200