Small businessmen and entrepreneurs came firmly back in fashion when this book was first published in 1980. As the Western economies moved into recession, many governments, particularly Mrs Thatcher's administration, looked to the entrepreneurial spirit of the small businessman to rejuvenate and revitalise Western society. Stripping away the political rhetoric, this book provides a serious social portrait of the small businessman in the economy at the time in which this book was written.

Preface; 1. The 'Crisis' and the Role of Small Business 2. Small Business Owners in the Modern Economy 3. People Who Start Their Own Businesses 4. Taxation, Personal Incentive and Business Growth 5. The Managerial Problems of Business Owners 6. Coping with the Market 7. Family, Consumption and Styles of Life 8. What's Wrong with Britain? Business Owners' Attitudes on the State and Economy 9. Business Experience and Personal Beliefs: Five Portraits 10. Conclusions