Britain’s small business leaders are more likely to trust their spouses over accountants or bank managers to give open business advice, a new survey has revealed.
The report found that over half of the UK’s small business bosses will turn to their husband, wife or partner at the first instance to receive honest and straight-talking business advice.
According to the national survey of 2,000 small company owners, 51% preferred to talk to their spouse or partner than accountants at 22%. Only 3% said they would prefer to approach trade bodies or other local businesses and a mere 2% said they would expect candid advice from their bank manager.
Martin Lyne, director of SME marketing at T-Mobile, who conducted the survey, said: “80% of the small businesses we polled stated they take advice from people who will give them the truth and will tell it to them straight. As a supplier, we need to take a straight talking approach, offering small business owners uncomplicated products and services that simply help them get on with what they do best. The last thing we want to do is waste their time.”
The survey also revealed that the trend was greatest in the north, with nearly six out of 10 small business owners in Liverpool and Newcastle (58%) turning to their wives and husbands over accountants. Furthermore, Londoners were the least trusting of bank managers, with only 1% turning to them for clear guidance.
Judi James, one of the UK’s leading behavioral experts, said: “This research from T-Mobile highlights how highly we value those who get to the point and give it to us straight when discussing business issues.
It’s understandable that we tend to turn to our partners for this honest and clear advice – they have the same goals as us and understand the complexities of the possible answers to our problems. Unlike other advisors, they have no hidden agenda and aren’t trying to impress us to secure a contract.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010