The UK's small business owners and independent workers are risking burn out by working too hard and struggling to switch off, according to new research from the 2018 International Business Festival.

The survey revealed that, last month, more than half of self-employed business owners continued to work past 10pm while a similar number sent work emails into the next morning. Around 40 per cent stated that they didn't have enough time to sleep, while more than 25 per cent don't have time to eat lunch and 31 per cent fail to fit in exercise.

Additionally, 65 per cent of respondents said they did not have enough time for dating, while 48 per cent admitted they did not take enough time to see their partner.

Commenting on the survey, Max Steinberg, Chair of the 2018 International Business Festival, suggested that many business owners are launching into self-employment in search of a better work-life balance, but risk losing both interest and productivity if they fail to manage their stress and ensure they're well rested.

"Striking the right balance between your business and personal life is challenging but vital to the effective running of a business," Mr Steinberg said. "Holidays and time out of the office allows us to find inspiration, think creatively about challenges and innovate, as well as building relationships, which are all crucial to unlocking growth potential."