As Valentine’s Day fast approaches it appears love is in the air for the UK’s SME population, according to research conducted on behalf of Premierline Direct, the business insurance specialists. The research found that a third of business owners run their company as a partnership, with one in five working side-by-side with their spouse.

In a tough business climate and with a growing trend among those flying solo to draft in business coaches for advice and support, more and more business owners are now deciding that two heads really are better than one. Nearly a quarter of those polled who chose to go it alone when they first set up would now consider taking on a business partner and 80 per cent of those already ‘coupled’ up say they have no regrets and wouldn’t change a thing.

Having your spouse working alongside you could also work wonders for your marriage as you start to spend more time together. SME owners highlighted that running a business on your own can have a number of the ill effects on a relationship, sighting changes to their sleep patterns, an adverse affect on their sex-life and in some cases saying it was the primary cause for divorce.

Chris Little, managing director of Premierline Direct, said: “Running a company can be lonely and its easy to feel isolated, so its great to see that many business owners have successfully found a partner who they work well with or are already working alongside their loved ones. Finding the perfect partner is also important when it comes to service providers. For example, when shopping around for a business insurance provider, look for a company that not only gives a great price, but also offers added value services and support in running a successful business.

“In addition to helping business owners find the right level of cover, Premierline Direct offers customers access to business support services including its risk management website, Risk Director, and a benefits programme, which can help SMEs save on their operating costs. These are ingredients for the ideal relationship.”

Risk Director is a knowledge bank which can assist businesses in a number of ways such as giving tips on how to write a health and safety plan, help in identifying and managing risks, and assistance with business continuity planning. Premierline Direct also offers customers access to a tax and legal helpline providing free, impartial expert advice on a range of matters, and gives customers access to a range of discounts on business related services through its benefits programme.

Premierline Direct is part of the Global Allianz Group and provides cover to a wide range of industries from shops and offices to hotels and manufacturing, tailoring its insurance packages to meet the diverse needs of each business.

For further information about Premierline Direct and its services, please visit www.premierlinedirect.co.uk or call 0800 083 2060.