UNPAID and unsung heroes are contributing £72bn worth of work every year to the UK’s small businesses – the equivalent of 230 million unpaid hours a month, according to a survey.
In the North East, an estimated six out of 10 spouses work quietly in the background to make their other half’s business a success. Almost four out of 10 work in an unpaid administrative role, more than a third have taken on secretarial duties and 12% balance the books.
The research, by Bibby Financial Services, found 35% of entrepreneurs’ spouses in the region worked up to two days in their partners’ business without payment while 16% worked five days or more for free.
This silent army also advised on business decisions, with 51% regularly consulted about new ideas for their spouses’ enterprise, while 39% were asked about all-important business decisions.
Graham Cooper, from Bibby Financial Services in the North East, said: “Unseen heroes in the North East are, more often than not, unpaid, keep their heads down and regularly clock up considerable amounts of time to guarantee their partner’s business is a success.
“Such apparent selflessness is perhaps unsurprising given the huge financial commitment involved in running a small or medium-sized business. While taking the plunge and deciding to be your own boss can be one of the most exhilarating things you can do, it requires stamina, perseverance and sheer hard work – not to mention an understanding partner.”
Not all unsung heroes are unpaid, though – just over a quarter took on some paid employment in their partner’s firm, mainly in the areas of administration or sales and marketing.
Mr Cooper said: “It is clear from our research that having an obliging other half who is happy to be behind the scenes can be the key to business success, particularly in these volatile economic times when recruiting an extra pair of hands can be costly and time-consuming.”
The research was carried out to coincide with the launch of its Live-business.co.uk website, which focuses on entrepreneurs.
