Latest News | 10 August 2021
Accountancy boss warns business owners over burnout
The co-founder of Vibrant Accountancy, who is also a director of a mental health charity, has urged company bosses to make sure they take time out to avoid burnout.
Beverley Wakefield said that down time is vitally important to help business owners maintain a passion for their work.
It comes as national mental health charity Mind revealed that one in four adults and as many as one in six young people, of the 10,000 who took part in its survey, experienced mental distress for the first time during the coronavirus pandemic.
Beverley said: “While it takes grit, determination and persistence to make your business a success, you need to ensure that you also get enough down time.
“Burnout is one of the reasons why businesses fail. Losing your spark or the passion for your business isn’t going to see you through those darker days; wearing the fact that you haven’t had a holiday or taken a breath in a working week shouldn’t be worn as a badge of honour.
“No-one can sustain that and while we need to dig deep in business to make it succeed, looking after yourself and the wellbeing of your staff is so very important.
“Whether you’re a new business owner, one of the many start-ups we have seen flourish during the past 18 months, or a working parent trying to juggle childcare over the summer holidays and holding down a job, it is vital to take time out to recharge your batteries. Your business will benefit in the long-term.”
Beverley, who is also director of children’s mental health CIC Bridge the Gap and set up Vibrant Accountancy with business partner Ian Ball in September 2019, has also encouraged businesses – particularly young entrepreneurs who may still be finding their feet – to ask for advice and utilise government support where possible.
She said: “There are schemes out there – such as the East Midlands Chamber’s Upscaler programme, which is fantastic for peer-to-peer support, and the Enscite and Green Entrepreneur Programmes; both are organised by the University of Derby and I’d strongly encourage all business owners to find out more.”
