Scottish small firms benefit from rates relief

Scotland's small businesses are continuing to benefit from a scheme that has provided relief in a difficult economic climate.

Indeed, some 4,000 enterprises have been helped by the Scotland Small Business Bonus Scheme (SSBS) in the last 12 months, with £144 million delivered in relief in 2012-13 so far.

This compares to £131 million in the previous year, showing how businesses north of the border are continually being aided, the BBC reports.

Scottish policy convener at the Federation of Small Businesses, Andy Willox, told the news provider that his organisation believes it's a "bold first move".

"Since the scheme's introduction, the financial crisis and the spiraling cost of fuel and utilities have put real pressure on the country's army of small firms," he explained.

"This rates relief scheme has given tens of thousands of our smallest firms an inch of breathing space.

It comes after the UK fell down the World Bank's business-friendly rankings earlier this week due to bureaucratic delays.

Posted by Thomas Fletcher

Date published 31 Oct 2012 | Last updated 25 Oct 2012