The majority of UK business owners will readily forsake plans with loved ones or even family holidays to seal a business deal, it has been claimed.
According to research by Bibby Financial Services, nearly two thirds of entrepreneurs will cancel romantic plans with partners at the last minute in order to bring in new business, and one in three will miss important meetings about their child’s education.
The survey also found that over half of business owners will relinquish holiday plans to win business and nearly nine in 10 will work as late as required regardless of pre-existing family plans.
David Robertson, chief executive, Bibby Financial Services, said: “It is very interesting to see the lengths that entrepreneurs will go to in an attempt to win new business, forsaking their partners and putting work before their children. This highlights a need for a more healthy distinction between work and life.”
According to Bibby, entrepreneurs are also willing to go to significant lengths to ensure the survival of their businesses.
The research found that 40% of business owners would consider taking on a part-time job to maintain a healthy cashflow and over half would take out a personal loan if it was deemed necessary.
Robertson added: “We are clearly a nation of motivated individuals, however, it is concerning that when facing a cashflow crisis, owners and managers think that a personal loan or borrowing from friends is the answer.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
