News

The Scottish economy grew by 0.2% during the first quarter of 2018, according to new official statistics.

Stuart Mackinnon, FSB’s external affairs manager for Scotland, said: “These figures show the Scottish economy growing slowly in the first three months of the year, though slightly faster than the UK as a whole.

“With new figures out today showing growing business confidence, it is up to policymakers to nurture this newfound optimism to get the economy moving. That means securing a Brexit deal that works for small firms and tackling domestic problems like late payment and poor digital infrastructure.”

On the Scottish Government reshuffle, Stuart Mackinnon said: “Every Scottish Government Minister must do what they can to charge local economies and help smaller firms thrive. But FSB looks forward to working especially closely with Jamie Hepburn and Derek Mackay in their expanded roles. We’re also pleased to see new portfolios charged with developing trade and the digital economy.”

Today, the Scottish Government has also launched a consultation on a proposed bottle deposit scheme. Stuart Mackinnon said: “For months, businesses have been asking questions about how a bottle deposit scheme will work in practice. We’re concerned that we don’t seem to have many answers. Worryingly, this scheme seems to be being developed in isolation from other regulatory initiatives impacting retailers. Ministers can’t make it harder for the high street.”