One In 10 Small Business Owners Spend Up To A Full Working Day On Social Media

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A new study by Markel Direct, the small business insurance specialists, has revealed the growing expectations many UK tradespeople and small business owners feel to maintain an active social media presence alongside running their business.

The study, which asked 501 UK small business owners and tradespeople how they use social media to market their business, revealed the hidden workload that comes with trying to stay visible online. More than three quarters (76%) spend time every week creating or editing social media content. For most, that means an additional one to three hours of work every week (54%), while more than one in ten (11%) spend up to a full working day each week managing their online presence.

The findings build on a previous study by Markel Direct, which looked into overworking among the self-employed. It discovered that more than half (57%) regularly work beyond their normal hours, while 40% said they feel pressure to remain reachable outside working hours, and 57% admitted to working through illness.

Running a business now means running social media too: half feel stressed to stay visible online

The findings suggest many small business owners are effectively becoming self-taught social media marketers alongside running their actual business. More than two-thirds (69%) have never hired anyone to create content on their behalf, while 65% say they have never received any social media training.

Despite this, many still feel an increasing responsibility to stay active online. More than half (55%) say they feel pressure to create content regularly, while nearly three-quarters (73%) believe customers now expect businesses to be active on social media. At the same time, nearly two-thirds (63%) say they struggle to stand out from competitors online.

The study also highlighted that for some small business owners, maintaining an online presence is also causing a negative impact. Nearly a quarter (24%) say they have experienced negative comments online, while one in four (25%) have deleted or edited posts following criticism.

The fear of negative reactions is also affecting confidence online, with nearly four in ten (38%) saying they have held back from posting due to fear of backlash. Among younger entrepreneurs aged 18–24, more than half say fear of negative reactions has stopped posting online.

Social media drives growth, but raises legal concerns

Social media is a clear growth driver for small businesses, and many owners are aware of the responsibilities that come with posting content online – however, the study revealed significant gaps remain when it comes to protection and preparedness.

The research found that only 39% have insurance in place to cover legal action relating to issues such as copyright infringement or breaches of confidentiality linked to their social media activity. In contrast, nearly half (47%) say they do not have this type of protection, while a further 8% are unsure whether they are covered.

Despite the potential consequences, some businesses continue to share client work online without following clear processes. Nearly one in five (19%) admit they do not always obtain client permission before posting images or videos of completed work on social media.

Worryingly, more than a quarter (28%) say they would not know what steps to take if a client raised a legal concern about content they had shared online.

Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, said:

"Social media has become one of the most powerful ways for small businesses to showcase their expertise and attract new customers, but many business owners don't realise that the same rules around consent, copyright and confidentiality apply online as they do offline."

"Many entrepreneurs have effectively become marketers overnight, often without formal training or dedicated support. Taking a few simple steps, such as obtaining written permission before sharing client projects and understanding what insurance protections are available, can help reduce the risk of disputes further down the line."

To read the full study, visit the Markel Direct website.

Please note: This article provides guidance for information purposes only. It should not be relied upon wholly when making or taking important business decisions – always seek the services of an appropriately qualified professional.

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Jul 8, 2025
2 min read

Fifth-generation luxury British bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has appointed Jimmy Caines as National Hospitality Account Manager, in a brand-new role created to support the company’s growth plans within the hospitality sector. The appointment coincides with the relaunch of the company’s dedicated mattress collections, as part of a focus to invest further in its hospitality offering.

With over 20 years’ experience in the furniture and mattress industry, including senior roles at well-established national mattress manufacturers, Jimmy joins Harrison Spinks as the company’s primary hospitality lead to further advance its strategy – representing the brand at key industry events including Decorex and the Independent Hotel Show, as well as building strategic relationships to support ongoing growth in this market.

Commenting on his new role, Jimmy Caines said:

“Joining Harrison Spinks presents an exciting opportunity to bring my years of field experience to a forward-thinking, innovative company renowned for its dedication to providing luxury, responsibly made beds and mattresses."

“The hospitality sector holds immense potential for us, and I’m keen to ensure more guests across the country experience the exceptional comfort and high-quality craftsmanship of a Harrison Spinks mattress."

“I’m proud to be joining a team who are incredibly passionate about the brand and its story, and are committed to enhancing the guest experience for our clients. While my primary focus is hospitality, I will be drawing on the strong relationships I’ve built over the years to support the retail side of the business too.”

Harrison Spinks has relaunched its two bespoke collections – the Signature Collection, designed for hotels and hoteliers, and the iD Collection, created with interior designers in mind. Each collection offers thirteen expertly handcrafted designs available in a range of tensions, including turn-free, dual-sided and pillowtop options tailored to meet the diverse needs of hotel and contract clients.

The company has also refreshed its product brochures which detail its tailored service – where beds can be made to any width or length, with a choice of tension, fabric and headboard.

Each mattress is carefully layered with responsibly sourced natural materials, including breathable, homegrown hemp and flax, and temperature-regulating traceable British and Yorkshire wool, combined with ultra-responsive HD micro springs and award-winning Cortec™ Quad pocket springs, for targeted support and cloud-like comfort.

Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said:

“Our renewed focus on the hospitality sector marks an exciting chapter for Harrison Spinks. The appointment of Jimmy into this newly created role, combined with the relaunch of these two specialist collections demonstrate our commitment to delivering unique, highly tailored beds that provide exceptional sleep and a lasting impression on our clients’ guests."

“This strategic investment reflects the growing demand for luxurious, handcrafted and responsibly made beds in the hospitality space, and our investment in our leadership, innovation and storytelling is helping us grow this important part of our business.”

Photo: (Left to right): Signature Collection 23,000 cut through at the Harrison Spinks farm & Jimmy Caines, National Hospitality Account Manager at the Harrison Spinks Innovation Centre.

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One In 10 Small Business Owners Spend Up To A Full Working Day On Social Media

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