Bosses sold their houses in recession

Bangalore: According to a new report, nearly two out of three small business owners froze their own pay last year, compared with a third who decided not to increase wages of their employees, reports Yorkshire Post.

More than one in four bosses cut their pay in the face of the recession, while some sold or refinanced their cars or houses to raise money for their businesses, a study by Santander Business Banking of 300 small businesses showed.

Majority of those surveyed said that they introduced cost-saving measures and more than a third did not have a holiday last year. Paula Ickinger, Head of business banking marketing at Santander, says, "The past year has been hard for small businesses and owners have felt the pain with pay freezes and in some cases, even having to take pay cuts. It is impressive to see that just one in 20 have had to cut jobs and is a testament to the commitment of business owners that they have, where possible, protected their staff. That should stand them in good stead for the return to growth that is tentatively under way."

One in seven (14 percent) of small businesses said that they have increased bank borrowing during the down turn, while 32 percent have put plans for business expansion on hold. Around 41 percent of small businesses have renegotiated deals or changed suppliers, while 26 percent have not updated machinery or vehicles as originally planned, according to Santander.

Around 14 percent have sold or refinanced business assets, such as premises, to raise cash.

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