The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is pushing for Scottish Ministers to deliver a growth Budget for small business and retail this week, by passing on additional reliefs on Business Rates.
The Trade Association for the Scottish Convenience sector said that small retailers are desperate to invest in their businesses, and take advantage of new technologies and sustainable practices, but many stores are now struggling to stay viable.
SGF has called on the Scottish Finance Secretary to ensure that 40% reliefs on Non-Domestic Rates announced for retail businesses south of the border are passed on to Scottish stores. Alongside the extra reliefs, SGF said Scottish Government should focus on growth by ring fencing funding through the Small Business Bonus Scheme and freezing poundage for the foreseeable future.
SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE, said: “The Scottish Government has a real opportunity to boost growth in communities across Scotland, and help rejuvenate town centres, by passing on the NDR reliefs announced by the Chancellor.
“In past years, convenience stores in England have benefited from 75% reliefs, that support has dropped to 40% this year, but it could still be crucial in helping put the Scottish Economy back on track.
“Many SGF members, and small stores across Scotland, are facing a raft of challenges. Alongside increases to National Insurance Contributions, higher wage rates, higher inflation, energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis. Not to mention a pile on of regulation across a range of product categories.
“Scottish Businesses have been operating at an economic disadvantage to our counterparts in England. Sorting out the damaging impact of business rates on economic growth and small business in Scotland is a no brainer.”
SGF has also called for an uplift for Police Scotland and Scottish Justice to help tackle the sharp increase in retail crime which is having a significant impact on business viability.
Last week, SGF joined sectoral colleagues in Scottish retail, such as the Scottish Retail Consortium, in writing to the Scottish Finance Secretary to request that the consequentials of the 40% reliefs for retail, hospitality & leisure, announced in the UK Budget, be passed onto Scottish businesses.
