Support pledge for small businesses

A COUNCILLOR has backed Dundee’s small business community to play its part in the city’s ongoing economic regeneration.

Lynne Short, convener of the council’s city development committee, was speaking after meeting with small business chiefs.

She said: “Nearly half the people employed in the private sector in Dundee work for a small or medium-sized business.

“That’s around 24,300 folk whose livelihood and contribution to the city’s economy relies on the success of this size of company.

“We understand the value and importance of entrepreneurship and the vital role that small businesses play in the city’s economic regeneration and I will continue to do all I can to support that.”

Councillor Short was speaking in the wake of discussions with Catherine Ward, development manager for the Federation of Small Business (FSB) North East Scotland.

A small business is defined as one that employs fewer than 49 people, while a medium-sized enterprise has between 50 and 249 staff on its books.

In Dundee 95% of firms in the construction industry are small enterprises. A similar percentage are also companies engaged in professional, scientific and technical activities also employing fewer than 49 individuals.

More than 72% of firms engaged in wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles, are also small businesses.

Councillor Short added: “We all buy goods and services from small businesses every day.

“While we welcome and encourage enterprises of all sizes in our diverse and innovative city, I wanted to show the wee ones some love.”