Live or work in Scotland? Read on for our latest guidance for you
Later this spring, ACCA Scotland will be meeting with the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, Liz Barclay, to discuss latest feedback from our members about the impact of late payment practices on small businesses, with recent discussion suggesting an increase in payment times. We will also have an opportunity to discuss broader challenges for SME clients.
If you have any insight to share about payment practices, or anything you’d like to feed into discussions about SME challenges, please email susan.love@accaglobal.com.
The ACCA/Corporate Finance SME Tracker survey continues to be a great way to keep abreast of issues affecting SMEs in Scotland. The latest results from members who responded – and who represent about 3,500 SME clients in Scotland – suggested that only 42% of SMEs are looking to grow, down from 50% in January. Similarly, members reported a significant increase in levels of stress and anxiety amongst small business clients in Scotland.
Our results for the poll are often picked up in the media – if you’ve not yet signed up to participate in our surveys, you can do so at this link.
The Scottish government published the long-awaited new National Strategy for Economic Transformation which sets out key priorities for reform, with a particular focus on boosting entrepreneurship in Scotland, which may have implications for the current landscape of business support.
In the meantime, browse information about business support and funding – it is well worth signing up for their regular email alerts which can flag new support and funding opportunities.