SMALL FIRMS SAVE THOUSANDS UNDER THE SNP

For immediate use – Sunday 19 September 2010


Attn: NEWS DESKS
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


SIGN OF COMMITMENT TO SMALL FIRMS


New figures on the Small Business Bonus show the SNP’s focus on small
businesses as essential to Scottish growth has saved thousands of
pounds for firms in the first two years of the scheme.


With figures for the bonus on 2010-11 still to come in, Scotland’s
small businesses have saved an average of £2459 each during the
recession as a result of the SNP’s small business bonus.


The figures were released in an answer to Central Scotland MSP
Christina McKelvie.


Commenting Ms McKelvie said:


“This is excellent news for businesses across Scotland.


“In 2007 the SNP recognised that Scotland’s small businesses had been
neglected for too long. Small and medium sized firms are a vital part
of Scotland’s economy and we must work together to support them.


“The small business bonus has helped keep corner shops and small
manufacturing firms open during the recession and now has a key role
to play in ensuring Scotland recovers strongly.


“While other parties argued against the bonus the SNP is well aware of
the importance small businesses play in communities, as employers and
in creating growth in our economy.


“In my own area businesses in North Lanarkshire have saved an average
of £3210 and £3045 in South Lanarkshire in the first two years of the
scheme with another year’s bonus available this year.


"While there are serious budget cuts heading to Scotland from
Westminster the Small business bonus is something I hope we are able
to sustain and that I know from speaking to small businesses in my
region that would be very welcome.


“The Small business bonus is one of the few direct financial measures
the Scottish Government can take within its current powers to help
boost our economy. It is a sign of what more could be done to support
Scotland’s economy and offer an alternative to the dismal decade of
cuts ahead if the Scottish Parliament had the full responsibilities of
financial independence.”


ENDS


Note:


Details of the Parliamentary answer can be found here:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/default.aspx?pq=S3W-36102