Small businesses need help with immediate pressures and longer-term growth

Responding to the embargoed release from the Federation of Small Businesses that Scotland’s small business confidence fell again in the final quarter of 2022, with it now sitting at -50 points, lower than the equivalent UK-wide confidence figure of -45.8 points, Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP said:

"Whether it’s Conservative economic chaos or the SNP’s disregard for business, so many small businesses across Scotland have been left high and dry by both our governments. John Swinney’s budget offers little in the way of support for retail, hospitality and leisure, sectors which have been struggling ever since Covid.

“The Scottish Government’s Finance Committee has already called on ministers to do more in addressing both the short-term and long-term consequences of inflation. That’s why Scottish Liberal Democrats would deliver urgent support to businesses right now and, in the longer-term invest in education, skills and economic partnerships across the UK to foster stability and growth.

"A responsible government would also end the incredible business uncertainty caused by the Scottish Government's obsession with breaking up the UK, which has dampened investment and would risk cutting Scottish firms off from partners across the country."