'Use small businesses or risk losing them' warning
SHOPPERS are being encouraged to support small independent businesses tomorrow as part of a national campaign.
The annual Small Business Saturday initiative is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local in order to support businesses in their communities.
Small businesses may be viewed as real assets to their communities, but life is far from easy.
David Richardson, Highlands and Islands Development at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Times are tough and the plight of our small, independently-owned businesses is well known. Many are struggling to compete with supermarkets, national chains and online businesses.
“Small Business Saturday aims to help redress the balance by celebrating the contribution that these small, local businesses make to their communities right across the UK. Taking place on the first Saturday of December, the aim is to help them make a splash by focusing attention on all that they do.
“This issue is very close to the hearts of many FSB members and we are delighted to support this year’s Small Business Saturday campaign by raising awareness. We hope that the wider Highland population will join us in shopping locally – this Christmas and all year round.”
The campaign has gained political backing locally from MP Drew Hendry and MSP Fergus Ewing, who both cover Inverness and Nairn.
“Small business Saturday is a timely reminder of the fantastic offerings we have right on our doorstep,” Mr Hendry said. “These stores provide a service and value that often simply can’t be matched by the larger retailers.
“If you are looking for something unique to show someone that you really care then they are the people who can deliver the difference.
“Across the Highlands over 90 per cent of registered businesses are small businesses employing around 40,000 people. I hope everyone shows them their support this weekend, and, of course, throughout the entire year.”
Mr Ewing said: “As a frequent visitor to local shops in Inverness and Nairn, I urge all constituents to use our smaller shops and businesses for goods and services, especially over the Christmas period. We all like to have them, so we should use them – or risk losing them.
“The Victorian Market in Inverness is a treasure trove of gifts of numerous types, and the Old Town retains many unique shops. If you want to buy some fish, flowers, or sweets and get a haircut or a cup of tea, all of that and more is possible.
“The Scottish Government have sought to support small businesses by our business rates relief – the Small Business Bonus. This now benefits over 100,000 businesses in Scotland, who have saved over £1 billion by taking part in the scheme.”
