Many small business bosses in the South are working too hard to spend time with friends and family, according to research by Abbey National.
More than one third of business owners said they have lost touch with friends because of work pressures and almost one in ten (eight per cent)
admit they are lonely because of long hours.
The research says bosses in the South spend on average six hours a week socialising with friends after work. Men tend to spend an hour more per week than their female counterparts mixing with friends.
Malcolm Bennett, Abbey National business regional manager for London and the South, said: "Bosses should make a concerted effort to make some free time to spend with their friends and families.
"Small business bosses in the South often work 70 hours a week or more.
"They are in danger of making themselves sick and damaging their businesses.
If they've lost touch with friends, they should give them a call."
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