Graeme Dey is encouraging consumers in Angus South and across Scotland to shop locally and support the local economy this Small Business Saturday (2nd December).
Small Business Saturday boosted takings by £717m last year in Scotland, and with research showing that money spent locally is more likely to stay in the local economy, a key aim of this campaign is to encourage lasting, year-round support for small businesses.
There are 3,970 small businesses in Angus employing over 20,000 workers.
Graeme said:
This year’s small business Saturday will take me to the Sacred Grounds Coffee Company in Arbroath, Angus’s only coffee roastery, which sources premium beans from ethical and sustainable sources and roasts them to the highest standard.
Small businesses like this are the backbone of the Angus South economy and account for 99% of all businesses across the country, supporting jobs and growth in our communities as well as providing an invaluable service to consumers.
I am extremely pleased to see the latest figures on the backing that the Scottish Government provides for local businesses – this year, the SNP Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme has provided of £4.9m in rates relief, up from £1.8m in 2008-09.
Angus South has a huge variety of brilliant independent, locally run businesses and each small business offers something unique and special, and it’s important that we support them in a market that’s increasingly dominated by the big players.
That’s why I’d suggest kicking off your Christmas shopping this weekend, if you haven’t already, by sampling the delights on your door step and visiting your local businesses this Small Business Saturday.
And beyond that it is important we all remember that supporting Small Businesses is something to be done 365 days of the year not only on Small Business Saturday.
