Starting a business admirable but too stressful, poll suggests A poll commissioned by AXA UK shows that while half of people admire the hard work of small business owners, many would not want the stress of being their own boss. On reasons that could deter them from starting a business, 31% pointed to the lack of security involved, while 11% did not want others relying on them. On the elements that appeal, four in 10 liked the idea of being able to work on something they were passionate about. The survey saw 23% of people say they would be wary of starting their own business, while 31% would give financial help to a friend or family member who was doing so. The poll also asked what qualities a start-up owner needed to be successful, with the key traits being: hard working (53%), motivated (48%), organised (46%), and willing to take risks (35%).