Hiscox Small Business Survey – DNA of an Entrepreneur 2012

ENTREPRENEURS IN 2012: LOSING SLEEP BUT NOT LOSING HOPE HISCOX 48% of small business owners are optimistic about the year ahead for their business 48% Compared to 27% who are pessimists Nearly twice as many are optimistic vs pessimistic 45% 58% 75% of small business owners across ll countries reported 33% profit growth in the last 12 months Germany Spain 75% hope to avoid layoffs or even to recruit new employees 31% across all countries reported sleep problems due to increased stress 22% Just 22% had asked for outside help from elected representatives and business groups 30% said that the downturn had made them stronger and more determined to succeed 31% said that it had spurred them to work more efficiently Country profiles Netherlands France Spain 61% optimistic about the year ahead 35% optimistic about the year ahead 28% optimistic about year ahead 44% reported increased profit last year 24% reporting increased 54% reporting increased stress stress 53% fear personal bankruptcy 16% fear personal bankruptcy 44% reported increased stress Highest fear (61%) of not being supported by the government Highest regard for social media and blogging Highest rating for arithmetic skills of new recruits Germany UK USA 59% are optimistic about the year ahead 47% are optimistic about the year ahead 55% are optimistic about the year ahead 58% reported increased profit last year 54% happier in their own 50% reported an increased profit last year business 24% planning to employ more people 42% reporting increased stress 49% reporting increased stress Lowest regard for social media and blogging Lowest regard for basic skills of school leavers/graduates Lowest approval of interest and motivation of school leavers/graduates For more information about the study, visit http://hiscoxusa.com/EDNA2012 HISCOX *The research wa conducted for Hisco by The Servey Stop. 3,000 owes ar partners of SVES, 500 each in he UK USA, Methatanda, Gemary, France und Spain took pat via anine panala betwa 17-2th July 2012. GET THE RIGHT INSURANCE, RIGHT NOw