The research, from Panasonic Business Systems as part of its Be Your Own Boss campaign, suggests that over 83 per cent of new entrepreneurs prefer being their own boss, while 87 per cent don’t miss receiving the same salary. Almost two-thirds are glad to be rid of the boredom of being an employee and are happier being busier.

The survey also reveals 57 per cent of the owners asked were concerned about coming across as too small, with more than two-thirds of men concerned about not being big enough and wanting to appear bigger than they really were.

More worryingly, 54 per cent of UK businesses start life without any kind of business plan, with women the least organised (40 per cent having a plan, compared to 53 per cent of men).

When it comes to inspiration to start up on their own over a quarter cite a desire for more freedom and flexibility. One in ten women go it alone because of having children or wanting a change of lifestyle and a fifth of women are encouraged to start up by their mothers.

Appropriately enough the springtime is the most popular for taking the plunge and setting up a business, while six out of ten respondents thought best age for starting up is in your thirties when you have the right mix of energy and experience.

Technology plays an ever-increasing role in running a small business as two-thirds rely on computers and broadband connections to stay competitive and project a professional image.

‘Being my own boss’ biggest reason to start up

Being free to make one’s own decisions is the biggest single reason for entrepreneurs to start a business, research finds.

According to a poll of 588 company directors by SmallBusiness.co.uk, 28 per cent identify ‘being my own boss’ as the key factor in persuading them to start up.

‘To improve my work/life balance’ is the next most popular choice, with 22 per cent of the vote.

The option ‘To make my fortune’ was chosen by just 13 per cent, making it second only to ‘I grew tired of corporate life’ (6 per cent) as the least popular choice.

Angus Elphinstone, founder of delivery auction website Anyvan.com identifies with the 28 per cent of respondents who say they want to be their own boss. ‘This freedom has at times been outweighed by the sheer amount of hours and hard graft I’ve put into developing the website and building our customer base but ultimately, I’ve just never liked being told what to do,’ he says.

Elphinstone adds that money can be secondary in the process of starting up. ‘I’d hazard a guess that everyone who starts a small business is driven by the hope that one day they will make their fortune and be able to retire in the Caribbean on a very large yacht, but I’m not surprised that only 14 per cent chose this as their driving factor. Ambition and the rush of being at the forefront of and adapting effectively to market changes is [more] addictive.’

John Antunes, head of SME at business management software provider SAP says that there are many who would love to start their own venture but ultimately don’t want to take the risk. ‘Even if the risk is believed to be worth taking, start-up businesses are now competing in a harsh environment that requires speed of thought and action that reflects this. The ability to respond to business challenges at any time is essential,’ he says.

See also: The complete checklist on starting a business the simple way

Business owners wearing too many hats

Business owners in the UK are spreading themselves too thinly by taking on too many different roles within their own company.

According to a study of 450 business owners by Bibby Financial Services, 65 per cent are taking on cleaning duties around the office, 63 per cent find themselves in charge of the stationary order and even 39 per cent say they have to make deliveries or collections.

The survey also found that 82 per cent of business owners are taking on the responsibility of dealing with suppliers themselves, 62 per cent are busy trying to secure finance for their business, 63 per cent are chasing payments from customers and 58 per cent are pursuing new business leads or opportunities in addition to their ‘day-to-day’ roles.

Edward Rimmer, UK chief executive for Bibby Financial Services says that the pressures that managing directors are under means they often have to take on many different roles in order to make their business a success.

He adds, ‘People go into business because they have a passion for something and a good idea, but it is easy to underestimate how many different roles need to be taken on. The research really highlights just how demanding running a business can be and that some managers may be taking on too much.’