23 May 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon addressed the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) last night as their annual reception was held at the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh.
The FSB offer a membership service for smaller companies, providing business and financial expertise and representation.
Pleasure to speak at @FSB_Scotland reception this evening and pay tribute to retiring policy convenor, Andy Willox who has been a real champion for the interests of small businesses. https://t.co/dPv6A2FUeb
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 22, 2018
The First Minister revealed nearly eight in ten public sector contracts in Scotland are awarded to small and medium businesses as a result of Scottish Government legislation.
In 2017/18, of the 22,000 contracts advertised through Public Contracts Scotland, 17,500 were awarded to SMEs, of which 13,500 were Scottish businesses.
Nicola Sturgeon said:
The steps we have implemented are having a positive impact, as demonstrated by the welcome increase in public sector contracts being awarded to small businesses.
“The value and quality of the services provided by small businesses isn’t simply something this government is praising in our rhetoric; it’s something we are recognising in our purchasing practices.”
Meanwhile, FSB have announced that Andy Willox has stepped down as their policy convener, to be replaced by Andrew McRae.
The First Minister added:
Andy Willox has been a tireless champion of local business and I commend his work with the FSB over the past 16 years to put smaller businesses at the heart of economic and political debate in Scotland and wish him well for the future.
“I wish Andrew McRae every success in his new role as FSB chair and I look forward to meeting him again soon.”
Retiring FSB Scottish Policy Convener Andy Willox OBE giving his final speech after 16 years in office following a heart-warming tribute from the First Minister. In short, Andy could not have done a better job promoting the interests of smaller businesses @NicolaSturgeon pic.twitter.com/d5lSlGq4LI
— David Richardson FSB (@FSB_DRichardson) May 22, 2018