The issue of loneliness is particularly pertinent among microbusiness (fewer than 10 employees) owners, who often work entirely alone, with 56% saying they have felt isolated while running their business. By contrast, rates are significantly lower among leaders of medium-sized (50-249 employees) (37%) and small (10-49 employees) (38%) businesses.

The good news for entrepreneurs is that loneliness and feelings of isolation also appear to ease with time and experience. While nearly two-thirds (65%) of business owners trading for less than a year report feeling lonely, the percentage drops considerably for those whose businesses have been running for 10 to 15 years (31%), and more than 20 years (40%).

The emotional toll of running a business

However, the findings also point to the weight of responsibility that many entrepreneurs carry during their business ownership journey. Nearly two-thirds (64%) feel the constant mental load of being responsible for their business success, and over half (55%) wish they had someone they could turn to for support.

More than half (51%) of business owners struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and 37% sometimes wish they were in less senior roles due to the loneliness that comes with leadership.

Business owners who have experienced loneliness and overcome it are Tilly and Chris Newman, both 40, from Portsmouth. Their business, ScanNeo, is an AI-powered camera product that goes on vehicles to read number plates and other surroundings. Their software then uses the data to send information to the council or parking companies, for example, fly-tipping locations or illegal parking. They have built the company from home, working closely together, which has brought up challenges with loneliness.

Tilly Newman, Co-Founder of ScanNeo with Chris Newman, said: “When my husband and I first started our business, we did everything on our own, and making every decision entirely independently without anyone to bounce ideas off, or share the small wins with. Working from our garage at home, it’s understandable that often our business journey has been incredibly lonely. However, making connections through networks and communities helped us see that we’re not alone in these feelings and that it’s a very real and normal part of being a business owner. It’s been such a rewarding business journey, and I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved since overcoming the initial battles.

“With our Start Up Loan, we purchased a ticket to a conference in order to primarily drum up new business, but also meet like-minded people who we could learn from. We managed to do both, which was a success, and as a result, we’ve even just been able to book our Christmas party in a shared space with other business owners.”

The practical ways business owners seek relief

Despite the challenges, the findings show that many entrepreneurs develop strong support networks and strategies to grow their networks, counteracting the impact of working alone. The data shows that business owners actively take the following steps:

• 56% spend time with family or friends outside work
• 51% focus on personal wellbeing, such as exercise and hobbies
• 43% take breaks to reset
• 38% connect with other business leaders
• 34% join networks or professional associations

The upside of going it alone

The research also highlights the positive skills and personal development gained along the way. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of business owners say running their business has made them more resilient; the same percentage (74%) says they value the responsibility that comes with leadership, even when it feels isolating.

A further 72% report having made new friendships and connections through their business journey; 67% feel motivated by proving to themselves that they can manage challenges independently; and 59% feel more connected when they know they share the same experiences as other leaders.

Louise McCoy, Managing Director of Start Up Loans Products, said: “Running your own business is one of the most rewarding things you can do, but it can also mean spending a lot of time working on your own and doing something very different to most friends and family. As our research reveals, this can often have a hidden emotional cost that often goes unseen.

“Unsurprisingly, the first year of starting a business in particular can be isolating, and that’s where mentoring and having a wider support network is so important. Yet, while loneliness is common, the findings also highlight a powerful story of resilience, growth and connection among UK entrepreneurs.

“At Start Up Loans, we’re proud to support entrepreneurs not just financially, but by helping them find the networks and confidence they need to thrive, be that through business mentoring or in-person events.”

The findings highlight the importance of community and mentorship in supporting UK entrepreneurs. Start Up Loans provides fixed-interest loans of up to £25,000, as well as mentoring and guidance, to help entrepreneurs navigate the personal and professional challenges of starting a business.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.