Policy
Supporting business
We aim to grow our economy by making Scotland one of the best places to do business. This means supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), improving regulation and investing in the future.
Actions
Through working with key partners, we are supporting business by:
- providing guidance and advice
- offering access to finance
- reducing the burden of business regulation
- promoting innovation and entrepreneurship
- maintaining our existing Enterprise Areas to advance targeted industries
- providing digital support for businesses
- helping social enterprises to achieve their aims
- encouraging take-up of business rates relief
Background
The Businesses in Scotland statistics show that in March 2015 there were an estimated 361,345 private sector enterprises operating in Scotland – the highest figure since the time series began (in 2000). Of these 359,050 were SMEs, which contributed 39% of private sector turnover and 55.6% of all private sector jobs.
Scotland’s business base is relatively small, with 798 enterprises per 10,000 adults compared with 1,028 enterprises per 10,000 adults in the UK as a whole.
In creating a supportive and competitive business environment, we aim to ensure that Scotland’s business base continues to grow, while also becoming more innovative and further our aims for international trade and investment.
Further information on the number and types of businesses operating in Scotland can be found in the Businesses in Scotland statistics.
Bills and legislation
The Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 was designed to improve the way regulation is developed and applied. It promotes regulatory consistency, and the protection of workers and the environment. It resulted in the creation of the Scottish Regulators' Strategic Code of Practice.
The Non-Domestic Rates (Enterprise Areas) (Scotland) Regulations 2016 were created to enable business rates discounts in 14 Enterprise Area sites.
Contact
Central Enquiry Unit
Email: ceu@gov.scot
Phone: 0300 244 4000
The Scottish Government
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG