Why 9 out of 10 Businesses Fail – And What You MUST Do Differently!

Are you brave enough to challenge the odds? Let’s face it: a staggering 90% of businesses fail, and the question isn’t just “Why?”—it’s “How do you become the exception?” As I clock up yet another day (and kilometre!) in my relentless Runpreneur Challenge, I’m thinking about entrepreneurs and business owners who dream big, but risk burning out or running dry. If you’re out here—chasing your entrepreneurial spirit, running the ultimate ultra marathon (in both business and barefoot)—this one’s for you.

My Mission: 40,075 km, £1,000,000 Raised, 4,292+ Days... and counting!

I’m not just logging miles; I’m raising £1M for children’s causes by running the legacy distance—the circumference of the Earth—barefoot, while documenting every win, setback, and lesson on this journey. If a solo runner can attempt the impossible, why can’t you defy those brutal business stats?

The Brutal Truth: Why Most Businesses Fail

As an entrepreneur fuelled by ADHD (the good, the bad and the impulsive!), I’ve spoken to hundreds of founders, poured over stats, and dissected my own mistakes. Here’s what I consistently find (and if you’re starting up yourself, pay close attention):

1. It's Hard. Ridiculously Hard.
Too many jumps in without realising the life-changing load involved. Businesses are notorious for consuming your energy, time, and passion. Don’t underestimate the commitment.

2. Entrepreneurial Overwhelm Is Real.
From the solo founder juggling marketing, sales, ops, finance, and HR to the scaling entrepreneur drowning under admin, burnout comes fast—trust me. You’ll feel those shackles if you don’t set boundaries and systems.

3. Cashflow: The Silent Killer.
You can have a brilliant idea and relentless work ethic, but if the money runs out, game over. Financial clarity isn’t optional—it’s business survival 101. If you’re not tracking costs, revenue, and margins (or relying blindly on expensive accountants!), you’re driving blind.

4. People Problems—From Hiring to Firing.
Recruiting, retaining, firing, and managing staff affects not just your bottom line, but your entire culture. Take on too many people and watch your wage bill spiral; cut too quickly and morale drops like a stone.

5. Inefficiencies and Lack of Systems.
Up to 30% of revenue evaporates for so many businesses due to poor systems and unnecessary costs. That’s often the difference between survival and failure.

Lessons From 1,857 Days (And Counting)

Every time I lace up (well, go barefoot) and hit the road for Runpreneur, I’m reminded: the hardest battles yield the greatest rewards. The entrepreneurial journey is tough, unpredictable, and overwhelming even for the most resilient.

If you want to be the one in ten who makes it, you must:

• Assess the risk—and embrace the challenge.

• Invest in financial education.

• Build efficient systems before scaling.

• Prioritise your wellbeing and avoid overwhelm.

• Recruit for culture and capacity—not just competency.

Join Me: Let's Beat The Odds Together

My mission goes beyond running. Every mile and post is about saving children’s lives and inspiring entrepreneurs to do the impossible. Are you in?

👉 Subscribe, Share, Like & Comment—because the more we grow, the more lives we change. Every interaction raises funds and awareness.

Drop your questions below—let’s tackle your business challenges head-on!

Business failure, entrepreneurial overwhelm, cashflow, financial clarity, start-up challenges, Runpreneur Challenge, raising money for charity, business advice, team management, efficiency, ultra marathon, children’s causes, UK entrepreneur, startup statistics.

Stay positive, stay happy, and remember: the journey’s worth every step. See you tomorrow—for another run, another storey, another lesson to help you succeed.