In brief...: Managers clocking up more hours

Aug 22 2008

Entrepreneurs in Scotland work more than 50 hours a week, according to new research.

The latest figure of 52 hours - an increase of almost four hours a week on 2007 - means Scotland now tops the UK's long hours league.

Stress levels are also rising with 61 per cent of small business owners suffering.

The work life balance survey by Bank of Scotland Business Banking found almost a quarter of Scots entrepreneurs are unlikely to take a full week's holiday this year.

Peter Wood, head of strategy and products at Bank of Scotland Business Banking, said: "Owning and running a small business is a time-consuming but ultimately very rewarding experience.

"Given that the stakes are so high, it comes as no surprise that Britain's entrepreneurs are burning the midnight oil. Unfortunately, however, there is a clear downside to the pursuit of success for some small businesses.

"We know, from our own experience of working with small businesses, that one of the biggest problems they face is the amount of time spent dealing with administration and regulation."