Many Essex small businesses are run by people who refuse to delegate.

The Essex branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) agrees with a survey which says poor delegation is a main reason why many small business bosses do not take enough time away from work.

The survey by business coaching organisation Action International said many small business people work up to 80 hours a week and took less than two weeks' holiday.

Ian Johnstone, of Action International, said: "In most cases, working such long hours is completely unnecessary and unproductive. Business owners end up doing so because they have not put in place the systems that enable them to delegate responsibility as well as tasks."

He said the problem arose when businesses began to grow and owners found it difficult to pass on the extra workload.

Mr Johnstone said the solution was to empower staff to take on responsibilities.

The Essex branch of the FSB acknowledged some owners were "poor" at delegating.

Regional organiser Terry Taber said: "Some obviously feel they are the only ones who can do the job. Others believe as it is their money and time being invested, they prefer to make it a hands-on job. There are also some people who just cannot afford to hire sufficiently reliable staff."

But he admitted: "It is obviously important to build a culture of delegation into your business.

"One major benefit is that it allows owners to step back from their day-to-day operations and take a dispassionate look at the way the business is going. You need to distance yourself to spot any weaknesses."

The view was echoed by Colchester small businessman Gordon Levett, who owns Trinity Galleries. He said: "Some people think they are indispensable. I don't believe that is true. It is a question of proper staffing and training people to do the job."

Published Thursday February 3, 2005

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