Report is first step towards turning around neglect of small businesses in Caithness and Sutherland

Business Comment by David Richardson, development manager – Highlands and Islands at the Federation of Small Businesses

In these difficult times, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could seize the initiative and make Caithness and Sutherland’s towns and villages first-choice places for starting and relocating businesses?

Of course, the answer is yes, but first we have to overcome a national problem; years of neglect.

Now, for the first time, a Scottish Government review has been honest about the damage inflicted on Scottish settlements in recent decades by the spread of out-of-town developments, including the growth of supermarkets, the exodus of key public and private sector institutions from town and city centres, the general disinvestment in those centres, and, of course, the growing phenomenon of online shopping.

The review group, with FSB Scotland representing private sector interests, published its new report, A New Future for Scotland’s Town Centres, earlier this month. Pointing to past failings, it makes a number of radical recommendations for the future.

Arguably the most important factor impacting on the vitality of towns and cities is the strength and vibrancy of their beating hearts – their small business community. Quite simply, by encouraging smaller businesses to remain, and more independents to start up or occupy empty units, we are keeping town and city centres alive.

Many factors come into play here, the most important being rebalancing the tax regime to protect smaller town centre businesses through rates relief schemes. Then there is recognising that developing existing buildings and brownfield sites is better than starting afresh on greenfield, both economically and environmentally, and calling for a moratorium on new out-of-town developments.

Landlords, transport needs and green spaces also require urgent attention, and long-term empty properties should be bought up and developed as business incubator units, community spaces or homes. Anything is better than leaving them empty.

However, outstanding though the new report is, nothing will change unless the Scottish Government commits the funds required to make it happen. Perhaps government money could be supplemented by money reallocated from the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal?

Ultimately, though, towns are about people, and success can only be achieved if initiatives are supported by local businesses and communities.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.