THE strain of running a small business can affect family life, with nearly half of managers admitting they put work before home commitments, according to a recent report.

A study of 300 owners of small to medium-sized businesses found that one in five had missed family holidays, while a similar number missed a partner's birthday celebration. The research, by Abbey Business Banking, also found that two-thirds of those questioned believed their work was a source of friction with their partner.

Ian Wilson, managing director of Abbey Business Banking, said: "While the rewards of being your own boss can be great, as our research shows, it's not all plain sailing. Britain's entrepreneurs continually have to juggle their work-life balance and make some extremely difficult calls."