How to plan for retirement as a small business owner

Research suggests that many small business owners and self-employed workers aren’t prioritising their retirement and could face uncertainty later in life as a result. However, opening a pension could benefit both you and your business.

According to an article from Which? (1 March 2026), people who have spent most of their working life as self-employed are three times more likely not to have a private pension.

Fluctuating earnings and a reliance on your business could mean you overlook a pension

There are many reasons why small business owners are less likely to pay into a pension.