Business insurance customers who are family-run firms are more likely to fare better in the recession, one organisation has stated.
The Institute for Family Business stated that these companies are more cautious with their spending, tend to borrow less and plan better for the long term.
Family firms account for 65 per cent of private sector enterprises in the UK and 30 per cent of its gross domestic product.
However, the BBC stated that many the companies do not stay in the family for long, with just 16 per cent of small to medium ones doing so for three or more generations.
Dr Gary Packham, head of enterprise and economic development at Glamorgan Business School, said: "There is a problem with the founding members not wanting to let go, which is understandable."
Another way smaller firms can get through the recession is to adopt more remote working techniques, according to Alistair McKinnon, senior product manager at ntl:Telewest Business.
He added that small business insurance customers have increased the amount of flexible working they offer.
