Revealed: Future challenges for small businesses

The report from the Federation of Small Businesses revealed that more than half of small businesses have flagged UK economic weakness as a barrier to growth, with a third suggesting a lack of consumer demand was a contributing factor.

Whilst the Scotttish confidence measure remained in negative territory, confidence among small businesses in Scotland was less negative in the first quarter than in the previous three months.

Andy Willox, FSB Scottish policy convener said that whilst it was good see Scottish business confidence recovering from near record lows, businesses are still less optimistic than the average UK business.

He also flagged a need to reassure businesses north of the border, indicating that clarity on the final terms for Brexit was needed as quickly as possible.

He highlighted particular pressure on businesses that were reliant on discretionary spending.

The FSB report also indicated that that a net 4.2% of small businesses in Scotland forecast a growth in turnover over the coming three months. Also, despite the balance of small businesses in Scotland looking to increase investment is down slightly on the previous quarter, it remains in positive territory.

Mr Borland added: “That might be a sign we have perhaps turned a corner – that some better news might be on the way.”

Ritchie Whyte, Corporate Partner, Aberdein Considine said: “Small businesses help to keep the economy going through difficult times and help deliver prosperity for the country, and as such it’s vital they have the right environment to invest and grow.”

There’s no doubt that confidence levels among small businesses give us an indication of how healthy the economy is looking and whilst consumer demand appears to be proving a challenge there are signs that confidence is returning.”

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