Press Release Tuesday December 15, 2015
Business for Scotland is calling for a bold, ambitious approach to growth from John Swinney when he announces the Scottish draft budget tomorrow(Wednesday).
Rob Aberdein, BfS chairman said: “We need a clear plan for growth that supports and encourages Scotland’s SME sector, the lifeblood of the Scottish economy. We want to see a bold, ambitious approach, one that not only inspires businessmen and women across the country but demonstrates exactly what the government will do to help grow their businesses.
“Mr Swinney said earlier this year that his government will tackle inequality through economic growth and that his budget will advance that vision, so we would like to hear Mr Swinney further explain and enhance that vision, set out clear plans and work with us to support and encourage SMEs.”
One clear example is the Scottish Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme which has provided rate relief to almost 100,000 small businesses. Although BfS welcomes the localisation of powers allowing local councils to cut business rates and retain the funds raised, the Scottish Government still needs to protect and even increase the central government funding available for small business rates relief.
This is important in order to encourage and ensure councils use their powers to offer rates relief to even more small businesses, thus attracting businesses, encouraging start-ups in new sectors and breathing new life into abandoned high streets.
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For further information please contact Michelle Rodger michelle.rodger@
