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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Mar 14, 2024
3 min read

British Showjumping has selected the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead as the new host venue for the British Young Horse Championships (9-12 August 2024).

The show, which boasts a total prize fund of nearly £80,000, will take place on the all-weather arenas and will host qualifiers and finals for four-, five, six- and seven-year-old horses. There will be additional prizes, sponsored by British Showjumping, for the breeders of the top five British Bred horses in their respective Finals, as well as generous bonuses for horses jumping clear throughout the week.

The Finals will also act as the UK qualifier for the prestigious World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Lanaken in Belgium, which takes place each year in September.

Hickstead Director Lizzie Bunn said:

“We are really pleased to be the new hosts of this prestigious championships, which will be a showcase for the very best of young showjumping horses in this country. While there are a few other Open classes at this show, ranging from 1.10m up to a 1.40m Grand Prix, the focus is very much on our young horse classes and celebrating the up-and-coming equine talent in this country.”

Riders in the Prestige Italia Six Year Old Championship will compete for the Big Star Trophy, awarded in honour of Nick Skelton’s 2016 Olympic gold medal winner. Any horse jumping a treble clear in one of the four Big Star qualifiers held between May and July will automatically be eligible for the £1,000 Big Star Bonus, which will be awarded in the Final.

Iain Graham, Chief Executive of British Showjumping said:

“The Prestige Italia Six Year Old Championship is one of the most important championships in this country for young equine stars. We are delighted that the final will form part of the British Young Horse Championships in its new home at Hickstead.”

William Funnell, who has won countless Hickstead titles over the years, has agreed to sponsor the Billy Stud Auction Five Year Old Championship as well as putting forward two special £5,000 prizes for the highest-placed horse bought in a Billy Stud Auction in both the four- and five-year-old championships.

“As a breeder, shows like the Hickstead Young Horse Championships are invaluable for producing young horses and highlighting their abilities. Having chaired the committee that established and spearheaded these Championships 15 years ago, I think the move to Hickstead is an excellent choice.”

Al Shira’aa, already a major sponsor of Hickstead including the iconic Al Shira’aa Derby, has taken naming rights for the Four-Year-Old final. “We are happy to support the Four Year Old Championship at the first ever young horse championships at Hickstead. We at Al Shira'aa thoroughly enjoy the production of young horses and look forward to being a part of this event,” said Alicia MacDonald, Director of Al Shira’aa Farms.

Hickstead-based Breen Equestrian has also taken on sponsorship of one of the young horse finals. Chloe Breen says: "Breeding future superstars has always been the goal of Breen Equestrian, and as such we are delighted to sponsor the British Seven Year Old Championship at its new home, here at Hickstead.”

Spectator admission and parking is free of charge for the duration of the show, with competitor entries opening in July. For more information, visit here.

Photo Credit: Elli Birch/Boots and Hooves Photography

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

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