THE biggest threats facing small business owners over the next year include paying back Government COVID loans

A poll of 1,000 SME bosses found two thirds of those who have been running their business since before the pandemic

Nearly half of them (47%) fear the next 12 months could prove even more difficult.

Other obstacles identified include managing their own mental health and uncertainty over Anglo-international relations.

And three in five (62%) small business owners have suffered from sleepless nights due to worrying about their business.

More than one in 10 (12%) think there is a strong possibility that they will go out of business within the next 12 months.

This is despite 44% working weekends, 36% going six months or more without a holiday and a third working seven-day weeks

“In tough times, staying on top of their finance wellness is a vital tool for small business owners.