Unfortunately Richard, coming from a guy with a goatee, that I have had since I was 18, all women want shaven men. Trust me
A very, very small minority like or don't mind beards - some most want to stroke it (mine is very long, currently about 3 inches), but that doesn't last. Many have complained that it makes kissing "tickly".
If you can stand to shave, then do it. I look even more grotesque without a beard but I am debating over wether to go completely clean-shaven, or to stick by my principles and have a short, trimmed goatee...