Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be isolating, stressful and all-consuming.
For many business owners, the pressures of keeping things afloat - managing finances, meeting deadlines and supporting staff (or doing it all themselves) - often leave little time to focus on their own wellbeing.
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month and the theme this year is community, which couldn't be more relevant to Scotland's business landscape.
In every town, village and city, small businesses are the heartbeat of local life. From independent shops and family-run cafés, to freelance creatives and painters and decorators, these businesses don’t just drive the economy, they shape our communities, create jobs and bring people together.
Yet behind many of these ventures can be an individual working long hours, often in isolation, under considerable pressure.
Building and nurturing a sense of community around these business owners isn’t just good for trade, it’s essential for their mental wellbeing. In times of stress or uncertainty, having a network of peers, mentors or even just someone to talk to, can make all the difference.
We know that mental health challenges are common. A 2024 study by Simply Business and Mental Health at Work found that almost half (47%) of small business owners had experienced poor mental health in the previous 12 months.
The weight of responsibility can be heavy, and it’s all too easy to feel like you’re carrying it alone.
That’s why at Business Gateway, we’re encouraging business owners and our advisers to take a simple but powerful step: take yourself outside, away from your screen and into the great outdoors for a walking meeting.
Whether it's a one-to-one with a team member, a check-in with a fellow business owner, or a reflective walk on your own, changing the environment, getting moving and connecting with others can make a huge difference.
Fresh air itself helps reduce stress levels, clears your mind and improves concentration; all of which are vital when juggling the demands of running a business. Stepping outside, even briefly, offers a reset which helps to boost your mood, encourages creative thinking and breaks the cycle of screen fatigue.
Walking meetings not only improve mental and physical wellbeing, but they also help spark fresh ideas and foster genuine conversations away from the usual desk or screen. It’s an easy, accessible way to build a sense of community and remind ourselves we’re not alone in this business journey.
We’re proud to be part of a wider network that supports local enterprise, and this month is a timely reminder that strong businesses are built on strong communities.
If you’re struggling, reach out. If you’re thriving, reach back. Let’s support one another - not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day.
Small steps, taken together, can go a long way.