The Alliance and Leicester Business Banking survey also says that of those who do manage to take a holiday, 38% will only get away for a short break.

But industry leaders warn that by not taking a proper rest firms risk doing more harm than good.

In the population as a whole, just 14% will go without a holiday this year.

That figure jumps to 31% of small business owners - more than a million people.

BBC business reporter, Karen Hoggan, said that some proprietors say it is because they are simply too busy to spare the time but others put it down to the cost of both the holiday and a replacement manager while they are away.

Dedication

The Federation of Small Businesses says it has always been difficult for the heads of small firms to get away but now it is even harder because of increasing red tape.

However, the organisation warns that by not taking time out, company bosses risk becoming less efficient and damaging their firms.

The dedication of Britain's small business owners has paid off though, it seems.

A Department of Trade and Industry study out earlier this year showed UK firms outperformed their European competitors, were less likely to go bust and got the least complaints.

In March, the British Chambers of Commerce called on the government to soften the financial blow on small businesses of new employment rights with a package of training and temping help.