The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Council responds to claim it should do more for start-ups
BUSINESS: Local authority defends its record on support for small companies
West Fifers are “punching above their weight” when it comes to setting up their own business.
Self-employment rates in the kingdom are above the national average, with North Queensferry, Limekilns and Crossford among the best performers.
Figures, revealed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), have been welcomed by local MP Douglas Chapman.
But he believed Fife Council can do more to encourage people to start their own business, particularly in areas of deprivation.
“Out of all the places in the kingdom scoring on or above the national average, 40% are in west Fife. “That’s a good figure to have,” he said. Colin Borland, the FSB head of devolved nations, has already called for councils to lease their vacant buildings for free to local start-ups and for universities and colleges to do more to promote entrepreneurship.
The Dunfermline and West Fife MP backed that call.
Pia Gradaus, who runs the Fife Farm Shop in Inverkeithing, said: “Small, locally-owned businesses are the fabric of the community.
“They should be supported by Fife Council where possible – pounds spent locally make their way back into local services and support the local economy.
“Landlords should be forced to reduce rents in places with lots of empty shops, to encourage small/medium sized enterprises and help reinvigorate the high street.”
Economy spokeswoman Lesley Laird said that Fife Business Gateway, on the council’s behalf, provided a huge range of support to businesses.
Last year alone it ran nearly 200 free workshops on a range of topics and helped with applications for grants, as well as providing one-on-one support.
“With the experience and range of services they offer there is no reason for any businesses not to get the advice they need,” she said.
Mrs Laird added it was not just about new businesses, as last year saw a 17% rise in the number of businesses seeking support from FBG so it had “really risen to the challenge” but supported companies increase sales, improve commercial focus, diversify and obtain tailored funding packages.
With the experience and range of services they offer there is no reason for any businesses not to get the advice they need. LESLEY LAIRD