Business Basics; SUMMER BREAK NOT BREAKDOWN.

For many small business owners and managers taking a summer holiday can be more trouble than it's worth. In fact nearly half (46%) take less than a week's holiday a year, while one in twenty return home early to deal with business issues.

However, withal most all business owners (99%) suffering from stress and two thirds admitting feeling stressed all the time, taking a break from business is vital for both physical and mental well being.

In order to help the country's small business owners have the peace of mind to take a real break from the pressures of work this summer,David Hinder,Sales Director of Bibby Factors Northwest Ltd, a leading business finance firm, who advise companies in North Wales has developed a series of top tips designed to help small businesses plan effectively and pre-empt any potential pitfalls.

Prior to your holiday(1)Plan ahead effectively -and be realistic about when you can go. If your business is effected by seasonal variations go when you anticipate a lull.

(2)Brief your staff -Decide how you are going to provide cover during your absence and empower staff you leave behind to make decisions in your absence.

(3)Appoint someone to open your mail -avoid coming back to a huge pile of post by instructing a member of staff to deal with it, ensuring anything that is urgent is dealt with in your absence.

(4)Consider using an office sitter - if you are a sole trader,get someone you trust,perhaps a good friend or relative to visit your office and check the answering machine,email, faxes and open the post.

(5)Keep good records -always ensure that you have clear,concise documentation in your filling system. This will help staff to deal with any enquiries or issues quickly in your absence.

(6)Clear away clutter - tidy your desk so that it is free of any unnecessary paperwork before your trip.

During your holiday:(7)Commit to the break - try to leave your mobile phone and lap top at home when you go a way. Give yourself a chance to relax and recharge your batteries.

(8)Use your voice mail - if you can't leave your mobile phone at home, try not to have it switched on all day. Discipline yourself to check your messages once a day or every couple of days.

(9)Get the most out of your holiday - taking a break does not have to mean lying by the pool, you might find an activity holiday offers you more chance to unwind.

(10)Ease yourself back into work - if you can, reacclimatise gradually and ease yourself back into work over a day or two.

David Hinder,Sales Director,of Bibby Factors Northwwest Limited comments: `` Running your own business is a relentless and stressful task at the best of times. Very often you need to work long hours in difficult circumstances and it is often all too easy to overlook your own well-being.

``It is important that business owners take breaks from day-to-day running of the company, and not just an afternoon here and there but a proper holiday away from the daily grind. Providing this is planned for and properly managed you can enjoy yourself while you're away and come back feeling refreshed and relaxed with minimal disruption to your business.''