When I think of the "fabric" of Scotland, it’s always the people; the communities who shape our nation and the citizens who keep our welcoming spirit alive.
We are also known as a country with inherent resilience and that has never been more apparent than in recent years. It is a characteristic which shaped the Covid era and continues to keep pushing the business sector forward, despite the challenges which have been placed at the doorsteps of many operators in Scotland.
In the last four years, we’ve seen a global pandemic, an economic downturn, an energy emergency and a cost of living crisis. It’s not an environment which makes for stable business, and we have seen many businesses, especially small businesses, struggle.
Staffing issues, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in consumer behaviour demand radical change. We know small businesses can lack the financial resilience of larger corporations, and that sustained recovery requires a nuanced approach.
Equipping businesses with the skills and support they need to survive is a fundamental goal for Business Gateway. As Scotland’s national business advisory service, delivered by local government, it exists to provide free guidance, from managing cash flow to cutting operating costs to handling HR and operational issues, to partnerships with Business Energy Scotland to support a move to net zero.
Policy measures also play a pivotal role. Continued collaboration between the Government and small business associations is essential to tailor support programs effectively. Simplifying bureaucratic processes and providing targeted financial assistance can go a long way in fostering a conducive environment for small business growth.
Financially, the sector is believed to be worth around £110 billion to the Scottish economy, with the latest data from the Scottish Government suggesting that small businesses make up more than 98% of the private sector.
The importance of small businesses cannot be underestimated; they are in the fabric of every town. They provide goods and services, but so much more – jobs, identity, community, and a sense of pride.
Small Business Saturday takes place today (December 2). It is heralded as an opportunity to celebrate small business operators and encourage consumers to "shop local". As ever, Business Gateway will support the cause and champion the impact which the sector has on our economy.
According to our latest insights, Business Gateway has received more than 25,000 inquiries so far this year. These inquiries come from every part of the country, and indeed from many different sectors, including hundreds of unique and bespoke cases that require personalised attention.
We are lucky to have a service where advisors across the country have the knowledge, experience and connections to support these businesses, but support alone will not be enough. Sustained financial investment will be absolutely vital to future-proof small business operators, who are the backbone of our economy.
An inclusive economy remains a key priority for Local Government and coming through this crisis with as strong a base as possible is vital.
Councillor Gail Macgregor is the Cosla environment and economy spokesperson and chair of the Business Gateway board
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