In official statistics, it is not always easy to distinguish independently owned companies. If, for example, employment data is collected at the establishment level then it is likely that these statistics will include a significant proportion of units owned by larger firms. Yet, from a policy viewpoint the characteristics of the owner-managed independent business are substantially different from those of the small subsidiary firm of a large organisation. Such characteristics radically affect SME responses to policy initiatives. A qualitative definition that embodies this distinction would particularly reflect issues of ownership and (inter)dependence. Being a small entrepreneur fundamentally means coping with (and enjoying) high levels of autonomy: standing.
