STRESS levels among business owners have "rocketed" in the past year, fuelled by increased red tape, long hours and increased demands from customers, according to a report out today.
Research among 600 UK businessmen and women showed the highest rises were in Scotland and eastern England.
The survey, for financial advisers Grant Thornton, showed lower stress levels in the south west and Wales.
And one in five business owners in Northern Ireland said stress levels had actually fallen in the past 12 months.
"Pressures associated with red tape, customer expectations and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are all likely to become more acute in the future," said
Jim Rogers of Grant Thornton.
