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Start-up owners 'save on commuting time'

Nov 11 2008

People starting their own business save up to three working weeks a year in commuting as they can choose where they work, meaning they have more time to invest in the company.

The average commute for a business start-up owner is five hours and 25 minutes a week, compared to seven hours and 55 minutes for an employee, equating to a total saving of 120 hours a year, according to research from Abbey.

Findings from the survey showed 15 per cent of those who chose to set up their own venture were travelling for ten hours a week before starting their own venture.

The research discovers one in three small to medium enterprise (SME) bosses now commute for under an hour a week, suggesting many work from home.

Paula Ickinger, from Abbey Business Banking, says: 'The considerable time saving enables SME bosses to invest more time into their business and also their personal lives. The result, in many cases, is an improved standard of living.'

Last month Commute Smart week was held, which encouraged employees to use other modes of transport in order to save money and have a 'greener' journey to work.

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