Scot Lib Dems challenge Scottish Government to boost support for small business
Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has today challenged the Scottish Government to boost support for small business as he revealed figures showing that while more than 99% of businesses are small or medium sized enterprises, more than half of government contracts still go to large firms many of which are not based in Scotland.
Figures uncovered by Mr Greene through parliamentary questions show that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) consistently make up around 99.3% of Scottish businesses, with each Scottish Parliament constituency containing at least 1,000 such enterprises.
In the year 2022/23, out of the Scottish Government’s £16.6 billion spending on procurement, just £7.9 billion was spent with SMEs.
Jamie Greene said:
“These figures show that there are tens of thousands of small and medium sized businesses across Scotland but despite making up more than 99% of businesses, they get less than half of government contracts.
"Businesses that I speak to are worried about rising costs, the steady creep of Scottish Government regulation and the hopeless handling of major projects like the deposit return scheme.
“The First Minister has promised a reset with business but that needs to be more than warm words. His government’s recent financial strategy had next to nothing on how the government will lower the burden of red tape or make it more attractive for people to start a business.
"From business rates reform to a real skills agenda, there are a host of issues in the Government's in-tray if they want to show they are serious about delivering a highly skilled, high wage economy.
“A key part of that has to be supporting the small and medium sized enterprises which are the backbone of our economy.
“If you want a sensible, growing economy, support for small and medium sized businesses and decent public services then it’s time to vote Scottish Liberal Democrats and turf the SNP out of office once and for all.”