Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Scottish small businesses to be surveyed on trading struggles

The aim of the study is to give small traders north of the border a louder voice to ensure their views are better represented to policy-makers.

Katharine Hay
Sunday 29 January 2023 19:01 EST
A Scottish high street (Alamy/PA)
A Scottish high street (Alamy/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Small businesses in Scotland have been encouraged to take part in the “biggest-ever” survey of its kind to help improve trading conditions.

The aim is to give small traders a louder voice to ensure their views are better represented to policy-makers.

The Big Small Business Survey, launched by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland on Monday, is asking questions to better understand current trading conditions and the challenges traders in the country face.

It is more important than ever to open a space up for small business owners to tell us what they are experiencing

Stacey Dingwall, FSB

The survey will also cover net zero concerns, staffing levels, fair work and finances.

Stacey Dingwall, head of policy at FSB Scotland, who is leading the project, said the nationwide survey will ensure decisions made that will affect small businesses are evidence-based.

“It has been an incredibly challenging time for businesses over the last couple years and 2023 looks like it could be even more difficult,” she said.

“That is why it is more important than ever to open a space up for small business owners to tell us what they are experiencing, what their challenges and ambitions are, and what effects local, national, global events are having on their businesses.

“By getting a comprehensive view of the small business community in post-pandemic Scotland we can make sure that our policy work continues to be evidence-based and decision-makers locally and nationally are aware of what their needs.”

Ms Dingwall said the survey is open to all small business owners, not just FSB members, and she urged all traders to take part.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in