Owners of small businesses will be struggling with work pressures during the festive period, research by Aldermore bank shows.

A survey of 1,003 senior decision-makers in SMEs found they take five days off over Christmas on average, with 23% only taking two-and-a-half days.

More than half (51%) feel pressured to work during this time, and 28% say they want a better work/life balance so they can spend more time with friends and family.

Current economic conditions are a worry for 30% of business owners, followed by cashflow (25%) and competitors (24%).

Carl D'Ammassa, group managing director of business finance at Aldermore, said:

"For many, the line between their work and home life is often blurred and this presents challenges when it comes to taking time off to unwind over the festive season.

"Considering the significant challenges they will need to overcome next year, it is even more important for the backbone of the UK economy to be firing on all cylinders throughout 2019."

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