Support for Small Businesses Welcome Amidst Cost of Living Crisis
Alyn Smith MP has highlighted the importance of small businesses to Stirling’s local economy, as Saturday afternoon in Dunblane saw a visit from Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf to local shops and organisations.
Meeting and chatting with a variety of businesses, including The Village Pet Grocer, Red & Co, David Bennett & Sons Butcher and volunteers at community development ‘The Bank Dunblane’, the First Minister was also joined by Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire & Dunblane and Evelyn Tweed, MSP for Stirling to hear directly from businesses about the challenges they currently face, and where policy improvements can be made.
The visit comes after the Scottish Government launched its new approach for engaging with and supporting Scotland’s businesses – big and small. October 2023 saw the latest meeting of the ‘New Deal for Business Group’, recognising that business’ commercial success is central to achieving a thriving Wellbeing Economy.
The New Deal for Business seeks to improve the operating landscape for all types of business in Scotland, from small businesses on the high street and elsewhere, across communities, urban and rural, to the largest companies, running multinational operations.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘It was a delight to welcome the First Minister to Dunblane, where I know so many genuinely local businesses are working hard to improve the high street, support the community and deliver quality goods and services. Times are undoubtedly tough for businesses and households in this cost of living crisis, and SNP MPs in Westminster will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Scottish Government to hold the UK Government to account, and urge further support on housing, food, energy and fuel costs.
‘Residents across Stirling can do their bit to back our businesses by buying local wherever possible, supporting outlets on social media and by leaving positive reviews. Stirling’s local economy relies on thriving high streets and a vibrant city centre – and despite the tough economic headwinds, there remains much to champion and celebrate.’
Notes:
Pictured is First Minister Humza Yousaf alongside Alyn Smith MP
