Local MSP Bruce Crawford backed small businesses in Stirling at a dedicated session in the Scottish Parliament this week.
At the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) event Mr Crawford exchanged ideas to revive local high streets, talked about plans to reform business rates, and discussed the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal
Official figures show that there are 4250 registered businesses in Stirling and almost nine in ten (88.8%) of them are small businesses, with fewer than 50 employees. These firms employ 14630 people and turn over more than £1253 million annually.
Bruce Crawford MSP said:
“Smaller businesses are vitally important to the Stirling economy. Therefore it was great to discuss with the FSB new ways to give these operators a boost.
“FSB highlighted that while many smaller firms continue to power ahead, others are finding trading conditions difficult and have concerns about the future. Politicians like me need to ensure that we give our local enterprises the best opportunity to succeed.”
Hisashi Kuboyama FSB’s Development Manager said:
“As a key local champion, we were pleased to invite Bruce to our event, and cheered by the number of MSPs who gave up their time to talk small business.
“Across Scotland smaller businesses are vital to the success of their local economy and community. Therefore, if we want to develop resilient local economies, then we need to focus on helping them thrive. This means ensuring they get a fair share of public contracts, modernising our rates system and preparing them for Brexit.”
