SNP claims widespread support for 'Small Business Bonus'

News Article - 24 May 2012
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The Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) has declared that English and Welsh businesses, as well as those in Scotland, are in support of the its Small Business Bonus Scheme.

According to the party, a poll by the Forum of Private Business found that 84 per cent of firms in England and Wales back the initiative, which is intended to reduce the rates burden for small businesses and properties with a combined rateable value of £15,000.

SNP MSP Sandra White believes that the government should back the Small Business Bonus and "acknowledge the positive impact it is having across Scotland".

"Businesses in my local area are thrilled with the business bonus and are already making plans for investing the savings in their business - now businesses south of the border are looking on in envy," Ms White said.

Speaking ahead of a debate on the scheme, she added that 150,000 businesses in Scotland can benefit from the Small Business Bonus, which offers rates relief to smaller firms.

The UK government has called on small and medium-sized enterprises to provide evidence to a new consultation on ways that small business access to public sector contracts can be improved.

Small firms are advised to seek help and advice about finance, particularly during the economic downturn, while accounting software can help businesses to manage their finances effectively.

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