Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP is encouraging people in the Western Isles to shop locally tomorrow and support the local economy this Small Business Saturday (2nd December).

Small Business Saturday boosted takings for small shops by £717m last year in Scotland, and with research showing that money spent locally is more likely to stay in the local economy, a key aim of this campaign is to encourage lasting, year-round support for small businesses.

There are 1,175 small businesses in the Western Isles, employing 5,410 workers.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and account for more than two thirds of people in the Western Isles employed by businesses. They account for 99% of businesses across the country, supporting jobs and growth in our communities as well as providing an invaluable service to consumers.

“Since 2009, the SNP Government’s Small Business Bonus Scheme has provided a total of £1.5bn rates relief and last year a £500m growth fund was set up to cope with the new challenges posed by a Tory hard Brexit.

“Small Business Saturday is an excellent initiative and I am delighted to show my support for it. Each small business offers something unique and special, and it’s important that we support them in a market that’s increasingly dominated by the big players.

“I would encourage all constituents to consider visiting small local businesses tomorrow in support of Small Business Saturday.”