In summary
Our events programme continues in summer, with our popular Glasgow networking taking place on Thu 25 July and four networking events planned in August. We will also hold our FSB Business Bootcamp event on Tue 20 August, a special event for small businesses and self-employed people where you can learn from the success of others and expand your business network. The event booking is open, so book your place now before it is fully booked!
Read on to find out more.
Featured news and events
Pause ‘meal deal ban’ to consider impact on independent convenience stores
The proposed junk food crackdown in Scotland, including a ban on meal deals containing fizzy drinks and crisps, will have a disproportionate impact on independent convenience stores, says FSB Scotland. In response to the Scottish Government consultation on its proposals to restrict the promotion of foods high in salt, sugar or fat, FSB is calling for a pause to allow for a detailed assessment of the impact of the new rules on smaller businesses.
FSB events
FSB Business Bootcamp: Grow your Business & Network
This fabulous FREE event takes place on Tuesday 20 August in Bellshill and forms part of our 50th birthday celebrations. Attendees will be treated to a day of energetic networking sessions, as well as short, sharp seminars from a lineup of expert speakers, all providing top tips on growing your business. Don’t miss out!
In other news
Consultation on business lease for retail, hospitality, and beauty premises
On 30 April 2024, the Scottish Law Commission published its Discussion Paper on Aspects of Leases: Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Act 1949. It discusses these questions in relation to the law as it stands. It puts forward ideas on what the law should be. You can respond to the Discussion Paper and give your input into what a future low might look like. Responses can be made until 31 July 2024.
FSB report highlights the impact of shoplifting
One in ten independent shops lost more than £10,000 to shoplifting in the last two years, according to a report by FSB. Tina McKenzie, policy chair at FSB, said shoplifting is a “major source of stress for small retailers”. “Traditional crime, including organised shoplifting, took away more than £1,000 from over half of small business victims across England and Wales in the last two years, with one in ten losing more than £10,000.”
Still in the news
Federation of Small Businesses calls on Ofgem to take action on standing charges paid by small firms
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the energy regulator Ofgem to take action on the standing charges paid by small businesses, many of whom have seen the daily fixed price they pay, regardless of usage levels, soar over recent months. FSB has written to Ofgem’s chief executive Jonathan Brearley to draw his attention to the issue, and to recognise the “specific, negative impact standing charges are having on small firms”, the letter says.
Confidence hits two-year high among Scottish small businesses
FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for Q1 2024 found confidence back into positive territory at +10.7, higher among businesses north of the Border than the UK average of +5.5. The growing optimism reflects improvements in consumer spending and the economy more broadly. However, there were clear signs of the strong headwinds continuing to face small businesses as more firms reported falling revenues and staff numbers than experienced growth.
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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.
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