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Small business managers in Britain work more than 47 hours a week on average, new research suggests.
The study from Bank of Scotland Business Banking suggests that the 1.4 million small firms in the UK work an extra 24 million weeks annually.
According to the poll, businesses working the most hours are also experiencing the highest levels of growth, with employees at firms growing at more than ten per cent a year working an average of 51 hours a week.
Kevin Gillett, head of the bank, said: "Contrary to the belief that Britain's long hours culture is hindering productivity, it appears that those entrepreneurs who invest more time in their business are experiencing higher growth."
The research also found that 53 per cent of entrepreneurs are not intending to take a two-week summer break this year, with 54 per cent stating that running their business is stressful.
"To stem the tide of rising stress levels, it is vital that these businesses receive the best possible support and service from their suppliers, professional advisers and from government, so that they can focus on the core job of running their business," Mr Gillett added.
Meanwhile, the Stress Management Company has said that small firms often have inadequate stress management resources.
