Scotland has more registered businesses per head of population now than at any point over the last ten years, according to official figures.
Statistics highlighted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) ahead of Small Business Saturday (7 December) show that in 2019 there were 396 registered businesses per 10,000 adults in Scotland. By comparison in 2010 the equivalent figure was just 357.
The official figures also show that almost all (99.3 per cent) of Scottish businesses are small or medium sized. These operators now provide an estimated 1.2 million jobs in Scotland – more than half of all private sector employment.
Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “The last decade has been no walk in the park for Scotland’s economy. We’ve had to shake off the hangover from the financial crisis, seen individual industries rise and fall, and faced an extremely changeable political climate.
“But despite it all, we’ve also seen a rise in the number of registered businesses per head of population. This demonstrates that across Scotland we’ve still got a large number of people that want to start up on their own and many others working hard to grow and sustain their business.”
FSB is urging people across Scotland to use Small Business Saturday to give their local small business community a boost – while making the case for government, big business and citizens to look to smaller operators all year round.
Andrew McRae said: “This Small Business Saturday we want to see Scottish high streets bustling with people choosing to spend their money with independent businesses. It doesn’t matter if you meet a pal for a coffee, pick up a Christmas present for a loved one, or get your cupboards stocked for the week ahead.”
In 2018, £812m was spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday. Now in its seventh year, FSB is a proud supporter of the Small Business Saturday campaign.
Andrew McRae said: “If we want to hold onto our local economies and communities, then local small businesses need our support all year round. That’s why FSB works every week of the year to convince key decision-makers to back small business.
“But let’s keep it simple this weekend – when we’re maybe spending a bit more than normal – and simply urge people to spend their hard earned cash with those with a foot in their community.”
- The official figures – published in November - can be found on pg13 of this Business in Scotland report.
- Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
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As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.