Asteron Life SME Index

Women SME Decision Makers

This third issue of the 2018 Asteron Life SME Insurance Index uncovers important insights about female Small Business Enterprise (SME) decision makers and identifies valuable opportunities for advisers and brokers to add value for customers and provide the best possible service and advice.

This report explores some of the differences between male and female SMEs and outlines various challenges and concerns amongst this group.

Some key insights we explore:

• 59% of female SMEs are more likely to be part owners or managers (compared to 48% of men) and are significantly more likely to be younger than males. 62% of females in small business are under 50, compared to only 39% of males
• A notable challenge for female decision makers is lack of time, with 38% of female SMEs saying they have no time for themselves or their families, compared to 29% of male SMEs.
• Female SMEs who do use advisers understand and appreciate the value they bring, however the uptake on advisers is lower with female SMEs, why?