93% OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE HAPPY

They’re happy in their jobs and optimistic about the future, according to the latest American Express Small Business Barometer.

93 per cent of UK small businesses say they are either ‘very’ or ‘quite’ happy, citing ‘being master of my own destiny’ (70 per cent), ‘doing something I like or believe in’ (66 per cent) and ‘reaping the financial benefits of my own efforts’ (42 per cent) as the main motivators of job satisfaction.

When asked about their personal aspirations for the next six months, 40 per cent want to reduce their stress levels and 33 per cent hope to have more time for holidays.

This quest for a better work/life balance reflects the fact that 46 per cent have gone without time off in the past 12 months because of business commitments and a similar number are working longer hours.

Attracting new customers (83 per cent) and retaining existing ones (66 per cent) remain the top business priorities for the next six months, while 56 per cent of small businesses forecast growth for the remainder of the year.

Only 12 per cent expect business to contract.