New survey finds confidence among small Scottish Businesses has plummeted

The result comes at a time of rising costs and increasing inflationary pressure for smaller firms in Scotland, according to a new survey.

The latest index from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found business optimism in Scotland fell to -15.2 points in the third quarter of the year, from -3.8 points in the previous three months.

Over the same period the equivalent UK figure dropped 13.9 points to +1 point.

FSB Scottish policy convener Andy Willox said: “Businesses in Scotland have been pessimistic about prospects for the last seven quarters. While we saw a slight uptick earlier this year, this quarter business confidence in Scotland, and across the UK, has taken a hit.

“Rising inflationary pressure and a weakening domestic economy are the twin drivers of plummeting confidence among UK businesses.

“Scottish small firms will be looking to the Chancellor to extend a lifeline at the Budget. In such a difficult trading environment, new tax grabs and loss of reliefs for entrepreneurs will exacerbate existing challenges.''

The survey found a net balance of 7% of Scottish smaller firms reporting a fall in gross profits, with a higher proportion of firms warning that input costs, such as the price of raw materials, are a barrier to business growth.

“The depreciation of Sterling is still having a big impact on those firms which import goods or services, or who are part of international supply chains,'' Mr Willox added.

However a net balance of 7% of small businesses also plan to increase their investment in the next quarter, up from 6% earlier in the year.

The FSB in Scotland has called for measures to cushion the impact of Brexit on Scottish businesses.

Mr Willox said: “It is critical that agreement with the EU27 is now reached on issues such as the length and nature of a transitional deal.

“We would argue that a three year interim period would be sensible, alongside a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. Further, EU citizens working in or running businesses in Scotland must have the right to remain in the country.'