‘Timid Scots too frightened to turn their self-employment dreams into reality’

Over half of Scottish employees dream of starting their own business, but most are too worried by financial commitments to make their ambitions a reality, a new study has found.

Start Up Loans, the Government-backed scheme, surveyed 500 Scottish residents and revealed that almost half of Scots cited flexible working as a major contributing factor in the decision to start up a business.

Start Up Loans chief executive, Tim Sawyer, said: “It’s time to be brave and make your business dreams a reality. We shouldn’t be held back by fear.”

In more detail, 26 per cent of Scottish respondents highlighted flexible working hours as the main attractions for going it alone, followed by 21 per cent who like the idea of being their own boss.

On the other side, a third of Scots said they would need support with the financial aspect of starting a business.

“Our survey highlights a number of triggers which could spark many employees into thinking about what it would be like to start their own business. However, anyone thinking of setting up on their own might struggle, that’s why you need to remember there’s lots of help and support out there”.

“If you do your research, and contact as many relevant people and companies as possible, then dreams can – and do – come true.” Sawyer adds.