Small Firms Save Thousands Under The SNP

AVERAGE ABERDEENSHIRE SAVING NEARLY £2000 IN FIRST TWO YEARS

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 for 2010-11 still to come in, local small businesses have saved an average of £1970 each during the recession as a result of the SNP’s business rates policy.

Welcoming the news, local MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“This is excellent news for businesses across Banff & Buchan.

“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 the Aberdeenshire Council area businesses have saved an average of £1970 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.”