Small business owners are personally motivated to start their firms due to a desire to be their own boss, according to a poll by Premierline Direct.

The survey found that 49% started their own company so they wouldn't have to answer to someone above them at work and 48% established their company so they would have more independence.

When questioned about the biggest difficulties faced in running their own business 35% reported managing finances, 31% cited red tape and 20% believe that business planning causes them the biggest difficulties.