Two thirds of Scottish councils are considering tourism tax
FSB Scotland has warned that small accommodation businesses will be disproportionately affected by visitor levies, as new research shows two-thirds of Scottish councils are considering a local charge. FSB research, carried out by FSB, shows that 21 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities are either discussing a visitor levy or are actively pursuing its introduction. FSB has called for councils to work with small accommodation providers to understand their concerns and commit to using the money generated from the levies to increase local tourism. FSB Scotland’s Policy Chair Andrew McRae told The Times, the Daily Mail, and The Scotsman: “Small firms have lots of unanswered questions at this stage about how these schemes will work.”
Small firms hope for lower borrowing rates following base rate cut
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to cut the base rate of interest to 4.5 per cent, down from 4.75 per cent. The cut means that many small business owners will see a reduction in their borrowing costs and will pay a lower level of interest on unfixed loans and mortgages. FSB National Chair Martin McTague said: “The cut in the base rate needs to be passed on by lenders to borrowers as rapidly as possible, to give small firms a bit of breathing space, and to enable more of them to think about growth and future plans, rather than just survival.”
FSB lays out SME priorities with National Highways
FSB National Chair Martin McTague met National Highways CEO Nick Harris to discuss how effective transport can support small business growth. They covered the goals of the Strategic Road Network, which is backed by FSB, and how a well-functioning transport system helps small firms thrive. Other topics included the importance of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and how their rollout can support the UK’s net-zero targets.
Free direct marketing advice generator launched
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched a free online tool to help organisations ensure their direct marketing activities comply with UK law. It offers small firms tailored compliance advice on how to use email, text messages, direct e-mail, social media, telemarketing, and other marketing communications. More details are available on the ICO website.
Data protection fee to increase
The Government has approved increases in annual fees for businesses – including online retailers – that electronically process personal data, which they must pay to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). From 17 February, charges will rise from £40 to £52 for microbusinesses and from £60 to £78 for larger SMEs. A £5 discount applies to payments made by Direct Debit, regardless of business size.
PRS Music introduces new streaming licence for businesses
Firms that play music through a playlist on a streaming platform at work must now purchase a Commercial Playlisting Licence from the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society, through the Performing Rights Society for Music. This applies to playlists on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, with costs starting from £42.56 per year depending on how many songs are streamed and copied. There is a separate licence available for those streaming music through radio and television, called the Music Licence. More information about licences, and how to apply are available through the PRS for Music website.
Free networking event for veterans
FSB is launching a series of free, virtual networking events for military entrepreneurs, in partnership with X-Forces Enterprise, to support veterans and service leavers. The first event, on 20 March, will be hosted by X-Forces founder Ren Kapur. Guest speaker Suzanne Brock, founder of raw dog food company Nutriment, will be talking about how she founded her own business after leaving the armed forces. Sign up to attend through FSB’s website.
Stay compliant with apprentice pay rates
Small firms that hire apprentices can attend a webinar to understand more about the National Minimum Wage (NMW). The apprentice rate is the lowest rate of pay under NMW, and a specific criteria must be met. The webinar will include details on who is eligible for the apprentice rate, best practice tips, and the common mistakes employers make. Register for the event, which takes place at 10am on February 13 through the HMRC website.
Deal to secure Scottish Budget welcomed by small firms
The Scottish Government confirmed a Budget deal this week that extends the Small Business Bonus Scheme, following FSB’s calls. This will provide business rates relief to more than 100,000 small Scottish firms. The existing 40 per cent rates relief was also extended to most hospitality venues, including pubs and restaurants. However, small leisure retailers and leisure providers in Scotland will not receive support with their rates.
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