New figures show decline in small businesses across Scotland

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene MSP has called on the SNP government to urgently boost support for small businesses as he revealed significant drops in the number of small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across Scotland.

Jamie Greene asked the Scottish Government to provide the number of SMEs in every Scottish Parliament constituency in each year since 2015.

The data shows that:

• Since 2020, the number of SMEs in Scotland has fallen from 177,020 to 171,660- a decline of 5,360.
• Over the past decade, 24 parliamentary constituencies have seen a fall in the number of SMEs, with notable declines in more rural parts of the country.
• This includes a 13.8% fall in SMEs in constituencies across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire since 2015, and an 8% fall in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have secured tens of millions in support for business in this year’s draft Scottish Budget, including new £2.5 package backing young entrepreneurs and an initial £36 million for business rates relief.

In the coming weeks, Mr Greene and the Scottish Liberal Democrats will be pressing the Scottish Government to provide further support.

Jamie Greene MSP said:

“These figures show concerning drops in the number of small and medium sized businesses across Scotland.

“I’ve spoken to lots of skilled and entrepreneurial people who feel there are too many barriers to starting their own business, from the SNP’s economic incompetence to the crushing burden of red tape.

“I am pleased that Scottish Liberal Democrats secured some support for businesses in the draft budget, but we think the Scottish Government can go further. That’s why, in the coming weeks, we will be squeezing the Scottish Budget for every penny to deliver for businesses.

“From more help on business rates to a real skills agenda, only the Scottish Liberal Democrats are offering a realistic plan for delivering a high-skilled, high-wage economy. In May, you can vote for that by backing us on your second, peach-coloured ballot paper.”