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The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland is the country's largest direct-member business organisation, representing over 19,000 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Government statistics show that SMEs now account for 99% of all Scottish businesses and over half of all Scottish private sector employment. These figures demonstrate the truly vital role that SME's play in a modern and economically vibrant Scotland.
FSB Scotland campaigns for a better social, political and economic environment to work, learn and do business in. With a strong grassroots structure, regular membership meetings, and an expert policy team, FSB Scotland is widely recognise as the most influential business organisation in Scotland.
For further information, such as other key background information, case studies and information on membership surveys, please contact the FSB Scotland Press and Parliamentary Office.
News Update:
February 2008
Accelerated Small Business Bonus gets Budget go ahead
Around 150,000 Scottish businesses will benefit from reduced or eliminated business rates when the accelerated implementation of the Small Business Bonus begins on the 1st April 2008.
During the final stage of the Budget (Scotland) Bill, John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth announced that the Small Business Bonus scheme would be implemented over two years rather than three, a recommendation made by the FSB to the Cabinet Secretary earlier this year.
| Rt Hon Alex Salmond MP MSP, First Minister of Scotland, speaking at the launch of the FSB Scotland election manifesto. |
From 1 April 2008, the Small Business Bonus will progressively reduce the rates burden for businesses with properties of which the combined rateable value is £15,000 or less.
Andrew Watson, chief spokesperson for FSB Scotland said:
"Overnight, Scotland will become one of most attractive places to start up or grow a business, and that will have a huge impact on Scottish economic growth over the lifetime of this Parliament.
For government advice on applying for the Small Business Bonus, please click HERE.
For the full FSB Scotland press release, please click HERE. |
