Commenting on the launch of the Scottish National Party manifesto, Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Scotland Policy Chair, Andrew McRae, said:
“It’s welcome to see the SNP outline several commitments in their manifesto for next month’s election that would be beneficial for Scotland’s small businesses.
“For example, the reiteration of their previous call for the UK Government to introduce a rural visa pilot scheme is something we support, given the ongoing challenges rural and remote small businesses face in terms of accessing sufficient local staff.
“We’re also in agreement over the need for some reform of the VAT system, and particularly the longstanding imbalance of retrofit and refurbishment of buildings being subject to VAT while new build construction is exempt. Resolving this is key to accelerating work to decarbonise buildings in Scotland.
“However, it’s disappointing to see such little mention of business in the SNP’s manifesto – and no mention of small business at all. While a fair number of relevant powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, there are many levers that the next UK Government can pull to boost economic growth, such as tackling the scourge of late payment to small businesses and raising the VAT threshold. Over the remainder of the campaign, it would be good to hear more about how they’ll push the next UK Government to make small firms’ daily lives easier.
“We’d also like to have seen more on economic growth within the manifesto, given the new First Minister’s own recent commitment to prioritise this.”
ENDS
For further information contact:
Euan McGrory [email protected] 07734 509 227
Notes to editors
- You can read the FSB’s 2024 election manifesto here: FSB Manifesto for Small Businesses and the Self-Employed.
- FSB’s election survey found more than half of small business owners remain undecided on who they will vote for at the election. It received 1,341 responses from small business owners across the UK and was conducted by Verve between 28 May and 3 June 2024.
- The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is a non-profit, non-party-political organisation that offers its members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice heard in governments. Founded in 1974, FSB celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.
- Micro and small businesses comprise almost all enterprises in Scotland (98%), employ 900,000 people and turn over £82bn.