This week marks International Stress Awareness Week and ahead of National Stress Awareness Day (7^th November), Forbes Burton is offering free expert advice for stressed company directors. 

Statistics recently published by the HSE on work-related stress in Great Britain detail 595,000 workers are suffering from work-related stress, resulting in 15.4 million working days lost between 2017 and 2018 – a huge annual cost to businesses.

High business rates and Brexit uncertainty suggest many small and medium UK businesses might struggle to survive. This is reflected by a 19 per cent rise in UK company insolvencies, the highest quarterly level in more than four years as shown in the Insolvency Service report, issued last week.

Insolvency specialist Forbes Burton, finalist in this year’s TRI Awards, says that stress can set these companies on a downward spiral.  

Rick Smith, Managing Director at Forbes Burton, said: “Running a company can be very stressful and many directors don’t know where to turn when things start to get difficult. We have seen a spike in stressed company directors contacting us, worried they can no longer manage their business because increasing stress levels have caused ill health.  

“Many people bury their head in the sand rather than seeking help but tackling the challenge head on and seeking professional help is the first, and most difficult, step forward.”

Rick added: “Directors need to be mindful of reducing stress in the workplace for their employees and taking care of themselves. Ensure your employees are well managed and there are up-to-date HR policies in place to fill any gaps during employee absence.

“If a director is unwell from the day-to-day pressure of running their company, they should seek professional help to work through their business problems.”

Forbes Burton has issued a free guide to provide company directors with easy-to-understand information on business obligations, what happens when companies face financial difficulties, how to identify warning signs and answers to commonly asked questions.

With the countdown to Brexit day now on, it is vital that these issues are addressed in advance for companies to survive.

Forbes Burton, based in Grimsby, has over 30 years’ experience in helping companies with financial difficulties and insolvency issues. The company is committed to a rescue and recovery culture where possible and is well practised at guiding companies through financial hazards.

To find out more about Forbes Burton, visit www.forbesburton.com, or to arrange an appointment, call Forbes Burton on 01472 254914 or email advice@forbesburton.com.