Going into business with your partner has got to be the ultimate test for your relationship and your sanity. Long hours, short tempers and high-flying emotions - not the kind of work environment any relationship wants to be exposed to.

So, call me mad, but I'm planning to do just that. It's all very exciting, but also a bit scary too. While we hope it's going to be fun and rewarding, we're prepared for a lot of stress and hard work.

I believe we're a good team though and will work well together, but what should you consider before going into business with your other half?

Business vision – It's essential for any business team to share the same vision. What do you want your business to become? It's important to agree on how big you want to take it, and what your short and long-term goals are. Is it going to be a lifestyle business that you will run yourselves everyday, or are your intentions to build a business to eventually sell on to a large company? If you can't agree on these basic issues in the beginning your business and personal life will suffer later.

Establish roles – It's important to establish clearly defined roles at the start to avoid confusion later on. Utilise each of your skills and strengths, and agree to take on responsibilities you both feel comfortable with. One of you might control your company's website and the day-to-day running of the business for example, while the other takes care of sales and marketing. As with any company, team work and communication is crucial – don't assume that a romantic relationship will work as a business one, it will take time to adjust.

Work ethics – Conflicting work ethics are a common cause of friction in all businesses. If one of you has bounds of enthusiasm and wants to work long hours, while the other likes to take a few too many tea breaks and switch off at 5pm, both your business and relationship are likely to struggle. Look at how you share household chores and financial commitments; if one of you shoulders more duties, it is likely to carry on when you work together.

Financial concerns - With business comes risk, and if both of you are leaving secure jobs to start a new business, it is crucial to ensure you have a financial safety net. New businesses rarely see in a profit in the first 12 months, and it could put a strain on your relationship if you've not planned for this. How will you meet financial commitments such as mortgage payments and household bills? Are there children to be provided for?

Stable relationship – Just like getting a pet or having a baby, starting a business together is not going to fix a relationship that is already experiencing difficulties. Business start-ups are hard work and can take over your life, and are likely to break not make an already rocky relationship.