Column: Why sticking together might help you stick at it 03.02.12 Column: Why sticking together might help you stick at it By Nick Giles According to a new report from the insurance company Aviva, one in four of the UK's entrepreneurs are about to throw in the towel. The poll asked: "How do you feel about running a company in the current tough economic climate?" One in four agreed with the statement: "I am actively considering returning to work as an employee." A third said they had lost enthusiasm for their business, while half said it is "too tough to be a business owner in the current climate." While these are undoubtedly tough economic times, these numbers imply that more than a million of the UK's four million small business owners are ready to pack up and go back into employment. That is a statistic that I find hard to believe however difficult the current economic conditions, not least because of the personal motivations that are involved in setting up a business but also the satisfaction of running something of your own. However tough the challenge, people that have made the choice to be their own boss would find it very hard to surrender that independence and go back to work for someone else. Nevertheless, this survey highlights the challenge that many entrepreneurs face -- of keeping going when things get tough.The prime minister recently reaffirmed his belief in Britain's entrepreneurs and applauded the courage behind every new business.  He