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FSB Scotland

@fsbscotland.bsky.social
70 followers 78 following 125 posts

The Federation of Small Businesses. The voice of small businesses and the self-employed since 1974. linktr.ee/fsb_scotland

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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
"For many rural businesses, the digital divide is becoming an economic divide." Our Scotland Chair @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social in @heraldscotland.bsky.social on the lack of gigabit-capable broadband holding back small businesses, highlighted by @consumerscotland.bsky.social go.fsb.org.uk/3TsxYCc
go.fsb.org.uk
Rural Scotland faces ‘economic brake’ from growing digital divide
SNP and Labour ministers have been warned of Scotland’s rural-urban digital divide is hitting the economy.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A Visitor Levy scheme that works in Edinburgh won't necessarily work in East Lothian or elsewhere in Scotland. Local economic impact studies are crucial. go.fsb.org.uk/47oQdvs
go.fsb.org.uk
East Lothian 'can’t afford' a carbon-copy of Edinburgh’s Visitor Levy
FSB warns East Lothian’s proposed 5 per cent visitor levy, modelled on Edinburgh’s scheme, could harm tourism and calls for an independent…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If the number of people employed in small businesses increased by just 2%, that would mean an extra 19,000 jobs in our economy. @colinborland.bsky.social writes in @heraldscotland.bsky.social about the huge potential of Scotland's 380,000 small businesses. www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/2658...
heraldscotland.com
What I told MSPs about the £5bn question facing Scotland's economy
Colin Borland reflects on appearing before Holyrood's Finance Committee and argues that backing Scotland's small businesses is the best…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Scottish Government's food price cap plans have not been properly thought through. They would have knock-on effects on small businesses in the food supply chain as well as hitting some independent traders, as @colinborland.bsky.social told The Scottish Sun. go.fsb.org.uk/4xFFmb7
go.fsb.org.uk
Swinney's food price cap could kill off hundreds of Scots corner shops
JOHN Swinney’s flagship food price caps plans could shutter hundreds of corner shops, industry experts have warned. Grocers under brands including Best-one, Day-Today, SPAR, and Premier could be hi…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The business rates system in Scotland is complex, opaque and ripe for reform, our Scotland Director @colinborland.bsky.social has told the Scottish Parliament's Finance and Public Administration Committee.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Do you run a retail premises in Scotland? How easy have you found reporting shoplifting to Police Scotland? Police Scotland has introduced a new online reporting tool which is quick and easy to use, as Gillian Frew, managing director of Fat Buddha Store, in Queen Street, Glasgow, explains.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🚨 Small businesses are facing a range of cost pressures - from business rates bills to rising employment costs. With the UK Autumn Budget just weeks away, take our Small Business Index #SBI survey and help us campaign for the growth measures small firms need ⤵️ 🔗 about.fsbbigvoice.uk/SBIQ32026
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Small business owner in Scotland? How confident are you feeling about the future? Help us get the full picture for the survey that gets the Scottish Parliament talking - the FSB SBI - open now to hear your experience. Full details below 👇
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Pleased to be attending the SNP Business Day in Edinburgh. Our Scotland Director @colinborland.bsky.social is taking part in a panel on the skills gaps facing Scottish businesses and how to address them.
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guyhinksphoto.bsky.social @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Fun morning hosting the @fsbscotland.bsky.social Connect Ayrshire networking event at Centrestage this morning. Great positive buzz in the room. 👍
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Our @colin_borland and @Stacey_FSB caught up with Secretary of State for Scotland @D_G_Alexander today. They covered lots of ground together, including the new PM's economic agenda and how it can back the business base to trade us back to growth.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
There were some potentially good things for small businesses in the Programme for Government, such as procurement reform and the Apprenticeship Accelerator Grant. However, there were also grounds for concern and missed opportunities. Overall, they will be underwhelmed.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Scotland's 380,000 small businesses are looking for signs in the Programme for Govt to give them the confidence to start investing and creating jobs. That includes a fair deal on rates, scrapping the overly-complex rates assessors system, and no increase in regulation or taxes.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The future of our high streets can be bright. That was clear when our @colinborland.bsky.social and Garry Clark joined @graemedowniemp.bsky.social MP on a tour of Dunfermline. Key is supporting independent businesses who want to be there, including fixing business rates and easy planning processes.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Always great when a new small business opens near our Glasgow office. Welcome to The Gotham Fork! It's just across from the, er... US State Office. (If you're coming to see The Batman filming please grab a coffee or otherwise support the great businesses in the neighbourhood)
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Excellent report by @ianhamiltonbbc.bsky.social on BBC Scotland Drivetime on the 'not fit for purpose' UK Access to Work scheme. It isn't working for people with health and disability barriers to getting a job and it isn't working for small employers. Get it right and we all win 👇
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Interesting and concerning read about the state of our Scottish high streets in @sundaypost.com As our FSB Scotland chair @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social says there is no silver bullet, but the right public policy changes could go a long way to reviving their fortunes. www.fsb.org.uk/membership/a...
fsb.org.uk
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Interested in building a workplace that supports fostering and kinship carers? Work in workforce development or employability HR? Find out more at @kinshipcharity.bsky.social @fosteringnet-scot.bsky.social @scottishgov.bsky.social special webinar on 15 Sept. 👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/building-a...
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Edinburgh's Visitor Levy will create opportunities for the city, but local authorities in other parts of Scotland can learn from what hasn't gone so well. That includes a poorly timed launch and visiting workers being taxed, our Garry Clark told BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live
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FSB Insurance Service @fsbinsservice.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Preparing for October? Our latest article explains why reviewing your insurance now could help your business prepare for upcoming employment changes. fsb-insurance-service.com/fsb-insur…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Have you accessed public sector support services to start or grow your small business? The Scottish Government wants to hear about your experience. Taking the survey should take no more than 10 minutes and could help shape the future of these services. go.fsb.org.uk/4w5rYwb
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Interesting read from @andrewlearmonth which highlights a concern we often hear from smaller employers. The increasing cost of taking on apprentices mean many have to think twice. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2643205...
heraldscotland.com
Scottish Government's flagship Fair Work First policy has 'no teeth' evaluation warns
Scotland's Fair Work First policy has seen remarkable growth, with 89 of public contracts now carrying fair work conditions but the…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
It's been another busy month at the Federation of Small Businesses. Thanks to everyone who has helped make our many events and meetings such a success. #smallbusiness #scotland
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Are you a young founder? Or a small business doing great things in innovation, international trade, sustainability or promoting opportunity through social mobility? If so, you can apply for a King's Award for Enterprise. Almost 90% of recipients are SMEs. go.fsb.org.uk/3YiAt82
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
@FSB_GarryC has been telling @BBCScotland's Hayley Millar about the practical challenges facing small accommodation providers, as Edinburgh introduces the UK's first city-wide compulsory Visitor Levy during the city's busiest tourist season.
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Reposted by FSB Scotland
FSB Insurance Service @fsbinsservice.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Applying for finance? It's a good time to ask: 📦 Has stock increased? 🛠 New equipment? 🏢 Bigger premises? If your business has changed, has your insurance kept up? Read more 👇 fsb-insurance-service.com/fsb-insur…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
As Edinburgh introduces the country's first Visitor Levy, accommodation providers are working extremely hard to ensure its launch goes as smoothly as possible - at their busiest time of the year. Please be patient if there are any issues as you're booking in over the coming days.
static.klipy.com
Abby'S Just Bear With Me
ALT: Abby'S Just Bear With Me
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
From celebrating Scotland's small business successes to successfully campaigning for a review of huge jumps in business rates for many small firms, it's been a busy few weeks for Team FSB Scotland. Thank you for all the support.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Small businesses which rely on the tourist economy in Argyll and Bute are concerned the introduction of a Visitor Levy may deter visitors. We have raised the issue as part of the council's consultation on its plans for a new local tax. www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2026/07/03/b...
deadlinenews.co.uk
Business group issues warning against Argyll and Bute visitor levy plans
A BUSINESS group has stated that Argyll and Bute "risks putting off visitors" after the council launched a consultation on plans for a visitor levy.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Great news for all those small businesses who make this such a vibrant part of Glasgow city centre. We look forward to seeing them at the centre of plans to revive the site and the wider neighbourhood. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Glasgow's Union Corner site to be brought back into use this year
Streets around the fire-ravaged area are to be reopened in time for this month's Commonwealth Games.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Shoplifting in Scotland has reached its highest level since 1951. Yet, most shopkeepers don't expect police to respond to reports of theft. @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social told @thetimes.com the response should be the same as when homeowners have property stolen. www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/...
thetimes.com
Shoplifting ‘epidemic’ as offences rise to 55-year high
Retailers say thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive and are taking thousands of pounds from family finances
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Fed up trying to work out how Scotland can still qualify for the next stage of the World Cup? Why not read about the lessons Hearts and Scotland's small businesses are putting into practice to take on the 'big boys' instead. go.fsb.org.uk/4aOrbbe
go.fsb.org.uk
Scottish football's giant-killer teaches an AI lesson to small businesses
It’s a lesson in how smart use of technology can transform your results
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Interesting read in @heraldscotland.bsky.social on the aftermath of Glasgow's Union Street fire. The 'bounce back' has been quick, especially for rail services, but some independents are still suffering. Will their voice be central to future plans? go.fsb.org.uk/4evkD3M
go.fsb.org.uk
Union Corner fire remains a stress test of Glasgow's city-centre business model
The Union Corner fire in March has produced two very different stories about recovery: a fast rebound, but slow repair
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
While we're all dreaming of a World Cup giant killing... can we recommend @colinborland.bsky.social's Herald column. How AI is helping the 'wee guys' compete in business and how the government can support that. go.fsb.org.uk/4aOrbbe
go.fsb.org.uk
Scottish football's giant-killer teaches an AI lesson to small businesses
It’s a lesson in how smart use of technology can transform your results
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Some of the rates revaluations facing Scotland's small businesses are unfair and perplexing. We welcome the promise of quick action to put that right, as our Scotland Chair @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social told @anguscchrn.bsky.social go.fsb.org.uk/4aeuN6m
go.fsb.org.uk
Vape shops in Scotland to be excluded from business rates relief
Scottish ministers also announced an independent review of how the property tax is calculated.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
We welcome quick action on biz rates reform. Focus should be streamlining opaque assessors system & retaining small firms support by uprating Small Business Bonus Scheme thresholds in line with 2026 revaluations, @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social tells @heraldscotland.bsky.social go.fsb.org.uk/4eBnEOz
go.fsb.org.uk
Federation of Small Businesses backs rates reforms and calls for wider changes
The Federation of Small Businesses has welcomed planned reforms to Scotland’s business rates system while urging ministers to deliver wider…
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Quick action to address unfair anomalies in the recent rates revaluation is welcome. We are also pleased Scot Govt has committed to maintaining the Small Business Bonus Scheme, but its thresholds must be urgently uprated in line with the revaluation. 👇 www.fsb.org.uk/media-centre...
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
As small firms are adjusting to higher rates bills, The Sunday Post reports the total rates paid by Scots companies will rise almost 10% to a record £3.4 billion this year. We need an urgent review of thresholds for Small Business Bonus Scheme reliefs. go.fsb.org.uk/449GAzr
go.fsb.org.uk
Scottish companies face 10% rise in business rates
Industry leaders warn firms are being crushed by soaring costs, rising bills and a cost-of-living crisis that is keeping customers away.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
How is your business coping as cost rises come into effect? Tell us your experience and help power our evidence-based work supporting Scotland's small businesses. Take the survey today. Shuts at 9.30am tomorrow (Tuesday). about.fsbbigvoice.uk/SBI2026Q2
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Our popular Business Bootcamps are back. 🔴 Expert advice to grow your business 🔴 Inspirational speakers 🔴 Friendly networking 🔴 And a free lunch! Book your free place today at our North Scotland Bootcamp in Aberdeen on 9 June 👇 go.fsb.org.uk/4wcb3JB
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Why more of the same from the new Scottish Government will not wash. @colinborland.bsky.social has written in @heraldscotland.bsky.social about tackling the £5bn hole in Scotland's public finances and practical steps which could kickstart economic growth. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2613077...
heraldscotland.com
Change has to happen as new Scottish Cabinet gets down to work
New faces in parliament and around Scottish Cabinet table should bring fresh perspectives
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
The temporary VAT cut for family activities and meals out will be a much-needed boost for many small businesses. We hope it will encourage families to support some of our brilliant independent businesses many of whom are facing huge cost pressures. www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
scotsman.com
Summer attractions VAT cut could spark 'bumper' season for Scotland's high streets
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland said Rachel Reeves’ plans “could make the difference between surviving another year and being forced to pull down the shutters.”
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Congratulations to @thomascarthur.bsky.social and Hannah Mary Goodlad. We look forward to working with you to support jobs and economic growth. @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Congratulations to @jennygilruthmsp.bsky.social Stephen Flynn and all the new Scottish Cabinet. We look forward to working with you to drive the economic growth the country needs. @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Great networking with HSBC at Edinburgh's Lost Shore Surf Resort. Why not join us at one of our next events? 👇 events.fsb.org.uk/en/8d2bI2X7/...
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Thanks to the Clydebank Post for great coverage of our brilliant award winners The Lennox Partnership www.clydebankpost.co.uk/news/2610645...
clydebankpost.co.uk
'We’re incredibly proud' - Clydebank-founded social enterprise wins major award
A Clydebank-founded social enterprise received the Community Award at HSBC UK’s Small Business Growth Awards for Scotland and Northern Ireland
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Scotland is a nation of entrepreneurs, with more than 370,000 small businesses employing nearly a million people. FSB looks forward to working with the MSPs of all parties to help grow the economy and support local jobs. More here from our FSB Scotland Chair @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
For far too long, Scotland’s small businesses have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous big customers who want to use them as a free overdraft. @colinborland.bsky.social, our FSB Scotland Director, welcomes today's commitment to legislate on the scourge of late payment.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
What a fantastic evening at our Scotland & Northern Ireland celebration dinner for the Small Business Growth Awards - brought to you by HSBC and FSB. Congratulations to the brilliant winners and runners-up, you really do represent the best of the UK's small businesses.
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FSB Scotland @fsbscotland.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Scotland is a nation of entrepreneurs. Our small businesses have the potential to boost the national economy and communities across the country. Our FSB Scotland Chair @guyhinksphoto.bsky.social has a message for all the MSPs starting work at the Scottish Parliament this week 👇
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