Nearly six out of ten small business owners freeze their own pay (From Watford Observer)

Nearly six out of ten small business owners freeze their own pay

9:50am Monday 1st February 2010 in

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Small business owners are taking the lead to ensure their firms stay afloat despite the recession, new research from Santander Business Banking shows.

The nationwide survey of businesses with a turnover of up to £1 million shows that 59 per cent of business owners have frozen their pay this year, while just 33 per cent have frozen the pay of staff.

A further 28 per cent have cut their own pay and seven per cent say they have sold or refinanced personal assets such as houses or cars to raise money for their business.

In contrast, just five per cent have cut the pay of staff as part of cost-saving measures, which also demonstrates how reluctant they have been to cut jobs - just five per cent say they have had to make staff redundant.

The research shows how tough small businesses have found the downturn – only 19 per cent say they have not had to implement cost-saving measures. But the study shows that small business owners have in general tried to protect staff where possible with 35 per cent of owners saying they have not taken holidays in order to help their business.

Paula Ickinger, Head of Business Banking Marketing at Santander said: “This year has been hard for small businesses and small business owners have felt the pain with pay freezes and in some cases, even having to take pay cuts.

“It is impressive to see that just one in 20 have had to cut jobs and is a testament to the commitment of business owners that they have, where possible, protected their staff. That should stand them in good stead for the return to growth that is tentatively underway.”

Ickinger added: “Banks have a vital role to play in supporting small businesses by focusing on customer relationships and providing support for well run and viable businesses.”