Scots small business tally reaches an all-time high

THE number of small businesses in Scotland has reached an all-time high, according to new statistics from the Federation of Small Businesses Scotland.

Scotland's largest business organisation said that 26,000 new jobs were created between 2006 and 2007, while 14,000 new businesses were established.

It said that the figures are a sign that devolution is creating the conditions for growth in the private sector.

FSB Scotland spokesman Andrew Watson said: "Small businesses are driving the Scottish economy, and the official statistics show that small businesses were responsible for 26,000 extra jobs between 2006 and 2007 – the highest year-on-year increase in employment since the onset of devolution.

"Over the same period, large companies with over 250 employees haemorrhaged around 4500 Scottish workers, and as large firms prepare for the expected downturn in the global economy there is a danger that number will rise, leading to job losses across the country.

"These statistics suggest it will be small businesses which will deliver sustainable jobs."