Highlands and Islands business owners urged to take part in major FSB survey
All business owners and self-employed people in the Highlands and Islands are being urged to take part in a major survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).
The UK’s largest and most respected business organisation is seeking as much feedback as possible to ensure that its continued championing of smaller firms is supported by the most robust, up-to-date evidence.
The survey is open to all small and medium-sized enterprises and the self-employed, and is being promoted widely to ensure the largest possible participation. The FSB says the more responses received, the more accurate the data, both overall and by sector and geography.
The survey closes on Thursday, April 30. It can be found here.
David Richardson, the FSB’s Highlands and Islands development manager, said: “Now, more than ever, smaller businesses need a strong voice in the corridors of power, and the FSB is fulfilling that role to the letter.
“Our size, our independence and the fact that everything we say is evidence-based combine to make our arguments both powerful and compelling. But we don’t just ask for help – we also recommend workable, affordable and effective ways of delivering it, and the results are there for all to see in the business support packages being delivered by the UK and Scottish governments and local authorities.
“At this unimaginably dangerous time for local businesses, and for the Highlands and Islands economy and community as a whole, I encourage all business owners and the self-employed to take part. It is important that the realities of life in the Highlands and Islands are revealed in this UK-wide survey.”
The federation says its recent successes include persuading the Chancellor of the Exchequer to introduce support for the self-employed, and the Scottish Government to introduce additional support to help businesses falling through the cracks.
Mr Richardson added: "As lockdown continues, so the importance of the FSB’s championing of smaller businesses remains as strong as ever. But this must be based on the latest evidence to ensure that the business organisation continues to call for the right things, at the right time and in the right way."