MORE than three quarters of business owners in the South-West struggle keep on top of stress, according to Swindon accountancy firm Haines Watts.

The old town-based firm found that 79 per cent SME owners in the South West struggle to balance pressures of running a business with a family life, leading to a negative impact on their mental health as a result.

The survey of 500 business owners found that often business owners often live a double life where the needs of their business get pushed into their personal time.

Among the findings are that 64 per cent of business owners in the South West have never taken more than a week off.

While 73 per cent reporting working at weekends and nearly two thirds (63 per cent) reported working while on holiday.

Mike Lloyd, Managing Partner at Haines Watts Swindon, said: “For many, personal success and business success are deeply intertwined, but they also conflict. It’s imperative business owners’ long-term plans include future business investment and leave a buffer between business income and family financial commitments to help mitigate the stress of ups and downs.

“The key is to not let pressures bubble over into serious stress or mental health issues by seeking support early. At present, only 4% of those surveyed had deemed their struggles severe enough to seek the help of a mental health professional. That number will grow if owners don’t recognise and respond to early symptoms of stress.

“Most business owners already feel motivated and are willing to make certain sacrifices to achieve their business aspirations. Given this, a solid support network and an environment that encourages open and honest conversations could be all that’s needed to ensure pressures and strains don’t become anything more serious.”

The study was done for the firms For Love Or Money? Series looking at the secret life of business owners and the toll it can have on their private lives and eventually the wellbeing of their business.