Start-up boost

I READ with interest The Scotsman’s article regarding George Osborne’s 2015 Budget announcement (“Scotland’s Budget Boost”, 19 March).

The introduction of a pilot scheme to reward business growth and the introduction of a broad review of business rates, should be commended. Could this be the start of a helping hand for our business owners of tomorrow?

Carnegie UK Trust recently worked with young entrepreneurs from across the country as part of our TestTown project. The feedback was unanimous that high business rates, legal fees and planning constraints are preventing young entrepreneurs opening their own shops, despite many towns needing rejuvenation after slipping into significant retail decline.

These new assurances by the Chancellor are promising and couldn’t come at a better time. Last year, over half-a-million start-up businesses registered in Britain, and a boom in rates of self-employment is under way, but more can be done. Perhaps these measures will bring us a step closer to helping make “Boarded up Britain” a thing of the past.

Jim Metcalfe

Head of practice & development, Carnegie UK Trust

Pittencrieff Street

Dunfermline, Fife