The lengths entrepreneurs would go to in a bid to further their business have been revealed in a new survey.

According to the research, 87% would work as late as required and sacrifice an evening in with the family, 59% would cancel romantic plans with partners to secure a deal, and almost one in three (31%) would miss important meetings about their child‘s education if they thought it would lead to more business. Over half (54%) would forsake a family holiday if they felt it would help business.

The survey also revealed how far owner/managers would go to keep the business afloat. Over half (55%) would lay off staff and take on their workload in addition to their own while 41% would consider taking on a part-time job.

“It is very interesting to see the lengths that entrepreneurs will go to in an attempt to win new business, forsaking their partners and putting work before their children,” said David Robertson, chief executive of Bibby Financial Services, which commissioned the research. “This highlights a need for a more healthy distinction between work and life.”

When it comes to coping with the financial pressures of running a business, half (50%) of owners and managers would take out a personal loan and 37% would sell expensive possessions or re-mortgage their house.

Almost a third (29%) would borrow from their joint savings account and nearly a quarter (24%) would borrow from friends and relatives to give their business a financial boost.

“We are clearly a nation of motivated individuals,” added Robertson. “But it is concerning that when facing a cashflow crisis, owners and managers think that a personal loan or borrowing from friends is the answer. These are short-term solutions to what is clearly a long-term problem.”