Poll finds vast majority of Scots businesses against independence

THE overwhelming majority of businesses in Scotland are opposed to independence, a survey has found.

The poll carried out by the Forum of Private Business found 86 per cent of firms were opposed to leaving the UK, with the remainder split between more powers for Holyrood and the status quo.

The poll of 90 Scottish firms was carried out last month.

Labour finance spokesman Ken Macintosh said: “This is another serious blow to the campaign for separation and proves the SNP are failing to make the economic case.

“Businesses are right to question why we would separate off and go into competition with our closest neighbours.

“It is time that the SNP government started listening to the business community. Scotland needs business to grow and create jobs and the SNP’s obsession with separation is becoming a distraction.”

Most firms said they preferred either more devolved powers (40 per cent), or no change to the current arrangement (35 per cent). Just 7 per cent said they would like to see fewer devolved powers for Holyrood, with the remaining 5 per cent undecided.

In addition, only a quarter (26 per cent) felt a referendum on separation would be harmful to their business, with the most common fear cited as some form of backlash or resentment south of the Border.

Around 10 per cent felt that the referendum campaign could be advantageous to their business, but the majority (47 per cent) believed there would be no adverse effect.

“There seems to be very little appetite from SMEs in Scotland to make a break from the rest of the UK,” said the forum’s senior policy adviser, Alex Jackman.

“As for a referendum, there remains uncertainty as to the perceived effects, if any, one would have for small business north of the Border. There are plenty who fear it will damage trade ties with the rest of the UK, particularly England, but there are many more who think it will have no impact.

“The main concerns for were alienation from the rest of the UK, with increased resentment towards Scotland and even reduced sales as a result. There was also a fear that uncertainty over the future could lead to a lack of investment.”