Stirling MP Alyn Smith hosted a virtual roundtable with local small businesses last week to mark Small Business Saturday.
The online Zoom meeting, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), gave small business leaders in the area a chance to speak to their MP, raised any concerns they had, and put any questions to Mr Smith.
Topics covered included: government support during the Covid-19 pandemic; overall support to diversify businesses; and Brexit.
Commenting, Alyn Smith MP said:
‘This was a really good opportunity to get a virtual face-to-face with local small business leaders in the constituency. This year’s Small Business Saturday was different, and it would have been irresponsible if I had flouted the rules and guidance by making non-essential trips to physically meet people, or to get a photograph taken. Nevertheless, I have hosted numerous Zoom meetings with business people over the past year, and whilst it’s not the same, it’s often a very useful tool for being able to listen to what local businesses are saying.
‘Stirling is the place to do business. It is ideally situated right in the heart of Scotland, it has unique tourism appeal, and it has competitive property and rent prices compared to larger city regions. That’s why we have such a diverse economy in our local area.
‘The past year has been extremely challenging for many businesses and workers. The rules that are in place are there to save lives – which is the most important thing we can do – however, it has also had a serious impact on our economy. We will now be looking to business leaders and workers to help rebuild our economy once we get out the other side of this crisis, and hearing what they’ve got to say, sharing ideas, is a hugely important and valuable exercise.’
Notes
Photograph attached: Zoom screenshot from Alyn Smith FSB roundtable with Stirling businesses. From top left: Lee Robb (office of Alyn Smith MP); Hisashi Kuboyama (FSB); Cat Cripps (Cat Cripps Coach); Alison Bell (Bell HR Consulting); Ann-Maree Morrison (Labels4Kids); Jen Laird (The Grail); Julie Howden (Julie Howden Photography); Pete Thomson (KMsoft); Alyn Smith MP.
