Bigger is better, so the saying goes. But when it comes to business I don’t think that’s always the case. Of course there’s a place for big business but many of today’s major firms started as much smaller enterprises – entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson and Lord Sugar are among those who’ve started small, and they haven’t done so badly at the end of the day.
Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, providing valuable services and badly-needed employment throughout Scotland. That’s why this government is providing vital support to help these fledgling firms find their feet. So far, 68,000 Scottish businesses are getting up to £2,000 off their National Insurance bill each year and we’ve seen the number of businesses increase by 38,000.
We’re also helping unemployed people set up their own businesses and we’ve seen 3,000 people in Scotland start up their own company – from cycle repair shops to nail bars - with help from the New Enterprise Allowance.
Many of those businesses will be found on the local high street, in towns around the country and that’s why I’m backing Small Business Saturday. The aim of the initiative – which this year takes place tomorrow (Saturday) – is to encourage people to shop locally, not just this weekend but throughout the year.
I think it’s crucial that we support local businesses. Shopping online or at out of town shopping centres can be convenient but we also need our corner shops, cafes and local services. But if we don’t use them, we run a real risk of losing them.
So tomorrow why not head down to your local High Street, celebrate Small Business Saturday and shop local? I will certainly be out shopping myself.
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