In summary
We have just launched FSB Scotland Big Small Business survey! This biannual state-of-the-nation survey aims to provide a comprehensive study FSB in Scotland, asking business owners from every sector and every area of Scotland about the state of their business, the challenges they have faced and the opportunities they see ahead. We are also currently seeking nominations from FSB members in Scotland to become our new Scotland chair. Nominations are open until Friday 14 February.
Featured news and events
FSB Scotland Big Small Business Survey 2025
FSB in Scotland has launched its biggest ever state of the nation survey project, The Big Small Business Survey. FSB wants to ask small business owners in Scotland an extended series of questions to capture a comprehensive snapshot of trading conditions and challenges across the country. The aim is to give small businesses, and by extension the communities they represent, a voice, so that the FSB can make sure their views continue to be represented to decision makers in government. Take part here.
Glasgow In-Person Networking 27 February
Join our Glasgow #FSBConnect Networking this month. An ideal opportunity to develop and grow your business contacts! This face-to-face meeting will be held at FSB Scotland Glasgow office, a few minutes walk from Glasgow Central train station. It's free to attend and is open to FSB members and non-members. New FSB members are especially welcome. Book your free place now!
In other news
Confidence falls to four-year low among Scottish small businesses
Confidence among Scotland’s small businesses has fallen to its lowest level since the height of the pandemic, new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveal.
FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) found confidence fell to -67.2 in Q4, 2024, its lowest level since Q4, 2020, when it stood at -69. The latest results represent the third consecutive quarterly slide in small business optimism north of the border, dropping from –41.2 in Q3 last year. Read the full press release here.
Near-flat GDP underlines need for short-term growth plans – FSB Scotland
Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP rose by 0.1% in the month of November, Andrew McRae, FSB Scotland Policy Chair, said: “These stagnant figures underline just how delicate the economic situation is and why we need government measures – in Westminster and Holyrood – to boost growth now. Small businesses are worried about rising costs, lumpy cashflow and the raft of proposed changes to employment law. That’s knocking their confidence and firms that aren’t confident don’t invest and don’t hire new staff – not a recipe for economic growth.” Read the full press release here.
Still in the news
Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund
The Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund has been established to assist organisations and communities in Glasgow city centre to create meanwhile use spaces, deliver small projects, and undertake minor improvement works. The grant will fund proposals able to demonstrate a positive impact on the city centre, enhancing its attractiveness and inclusivity. The Improvement Grant Fund is designed to address two key issues: improving the look and feel of the city centre and finding productive uses for vacant property. The maximum grant amount will be £20,000.
EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation
FSB calls for better export support as EU's new product safety rules came into effect. Commenting on the EU’s new General Product Safety Regulation, which came into effect on 13 December, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The EU’s upcoming General Product Safety Regulation will be a real barrier to international trade for some of our small firms looking to export to EU member states, but also move goods to Northern Ireland. Governments from both sides should look at removing unnecessary trade barriers, not least those arising from the product safety rules, for small businesses in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperative Agreement review in 2026.”
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the West of Scotland is Hisashi Kuboyama. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email: [email protected]
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