Having control of their own destiny is a key motivator for the majority of UK entrepreneurs, according to new research.
Being in control of their own future and enjoying sufficient income to provide for their families were both cited by 95% of respondents as a key motivator in a poll commissioned by MasterCard.
Tuuli Perkio, vice president of MasterCard Europe’s small business market said the British public traditionally had an ‘admiration for successful entrepreneurs’.
“Many Brits clearly regard breaking out of the large-corporate working environment and working for themselves instead as not only an attractive lifestyle change but also one which will help them to achieve their own self-development aims and aspirations,” he said.
Encouragingly for budding entrepreneurs, 80% of UK small business owners said that running their own company was as fulfilling as they hoped it would be.
However, the research also revealed that setting up your own firm is by no means an easy option with UK business owners working an average of 54 hours per week.
“Whilst going into business for yourself is a great opportunity to create a work-life balance which suits your individual needs, it certainly isn't a soft option,” added Perkio.
“The UK’s entrepreneurs work extremely hard and the increased public focus afforded to their efforts through programmes such as The Apprentice is certainly a good thing.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
