The British Dream: Hopes and Fears of future founders

Most Brits agree that being self-employed is better than working for others. However, there are fears that seem to hold British people back from taking the jump into running their own businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new business ideas to life that founders would have not thought of before, but it has also made starting-up more difficult (@ionos_uk).

The latest study from IONOS SE explored the hopes and fears of future British founders. You can download the “British Dreams and Wishes” business survey here for free. The e-book takes a look at labour developments in the UK since the pandemic and examines the advancing digitalisation that founders are facing in 2021.

Key facts from the study

• British people prefer to start-up alone
• Starting-up with children is still difficult, especially for mothers
• Lack of financial resources is the most common reason why the British shy away from starting a business
• Has Corona boosted business? COVID has increased the desire to a business amongst British people
• The importance of online presence for one’s own business has increased as a result of the Corona crisis

Almost a quarter of brits are dissatisfied with their job

The IONOS SE study interviewed a total of 500 people between the ages of 20 and 50 about their business aspirations and fears, among whom there were roughly the same number of men and women.

Most of those asked think that starting their own business would make them happier. Nevertheless, most of them have a permanent job. In the e-book “British Dreams and Wishes: A Business Survey” you can read more about the reasons why Brits are afraid of starting their own business. You’ll also find out what areas Brits would want support in when starting-up.

Women still suffer from disadvantages

Women seem to have the hardest time in business. In the IONOS SE e-book “British Dreams and Wishes: A Business Survey”, we take a look at what makes women unhappy in their jobs and why they sometimes seem to lack the necessary self-confidence. Almost 61% of British women can imagine starting their own business, yet why do they seem to be the last willing to do so? Do they lack vision and ideas, or are they overly self-critical and afraid?

The crisis as a chance: Covid-19 increases desire for self-employment

The COVID-19 pandemic does not seem to have dulled the desire for the British people to start their own business, in fact, 40% of the participants asked, stated that the pandemic has increased their desires to found. The crisis has bought both dangers and opportunities, which the British clearly see the brighter side of.

To read more about how business ideas have changed for the British people and what role digitalisation plays in the everchanging online landscape, download the free e-book from here.