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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Is running a business affecting your health?

14 May 2024

Almost half of UK small business owners say that running their own business has negatively impacted their health, according to new research conducted by FreeAgent.

The pressure of running a business is taking its toll on entrepreneurs, according to the results of a survey of small business owners from across the UK, conducted by accounting software provider FreeAgent.

Published to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, the survey findings reveal that:

  • Altogether, 48% of UK small business owners say that running their own business has negatively impacted their physical and/or mental health;
  • 20% of respondents say that their mental health has been negatively affected;
  • 7% say their physical health had taken a hit;
  • An additional 20% say that both their mental and physical health has been negatively impacted by running their own business.

Work-life balance for business owners

Despite the fact that two-thirds (67%) of respondents say they are happy with their current work-life balance, a heavy workload is still a key issue for many business owners - 18% say they work 48-64 hours a week. In addition, 77% of those polled report that they have worked through an illness because they felt they could not take any time off.

"Running a small business can be incredibly challenging, and our research shows just how much pressure that working for yourself can have on your mental and physical health. Small business owners regularly spend long hours working on their ventures, rarely take time off when they are sick, and are putting their health at risk by not being able to take proper breaks from their businesses." Roan Lavery, ceo and co-founder of FreeAgent.

The findings also show that six in ten business owners say they have worked while they were on holiday, doing tasks such as checking emails and managing accounts. Only a third (32%) of respondents plan to take a complete break on holiday.

On a positive note, 62% of business owners polled say that they have a good support network to help them navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and 66% say that running a business has had a positive impact on their mental health "at some point".

Roan Lavery, ceo and co-founder of FreeAgent, says more needs to be done by the government to support the UK's 5.5 million small business owners. "Our findings still suggest that more support is needed for Britain's entrepreneurs," he said. "Many are currently facing major challenges from inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, so it is important to help them avoid causing significant damage to their physical and mental well-being.

"Enhancing initiatives to facilitate sick pay and health insurance accessibility, coupled with fostering awareness and education on mental health, is paramount for the welfare of our entrepreneurial community. I hope that politicians from across the spectrum will acknowledge these challenges in the SME sector and commit to help small businesses safeguard their physical and mental health."

Written by Rachel Miller.

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