SCOTLAND’S Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a “radical new brand” and a major digital investment as the sector continues to grow rapidly.
The organisation has around 19,000 members and campaigns for a better social, political and economic environment in which small businesses can thrive.
The rebrand move is aimed at boosting its appeal to the 5.4 million smaller firms across the UK.
New research found that smaller businesses greatly valued the sorts of membership services the FSB already offers, including its 24/7 legal advice, financial support, and employment expertise.
However, the study also found that, among small businesses who were not members of the FSB, awareness of these services was not widespread.
In response to this research the FSB has made a significant investment in its online presence so that visitors to their website will be given a better understanding of their benefits and resources.
The organisation also wants to become more active on social media channels, increasingly digitising its comprehensive library of small business advice.
David Miles, FSB director, said: “Smaller businesses are world leaders in their use of technology and customer care.
“As the voice of small business we need to reflect these fantastic businesses and I think the new brand demonstrates this.
“We know our members really value the services we offer, safe in the knowledge that these have been carefully selected to fit with their needs.
“However, we need to get better at getting the message out. Our website is our shop window and I am confident today’s investment will help great numbers of businesses to see the value of what we have to offer.”
More than 99 per cent of private sector businesses are small firms, accounting for 48 per cent of private sector employment and 33 per cent of private sector turnover.
When the FSB asked small businesses what they wanted it found that their top priorities were networking, business advice and training.
Miles added: “We have been building trust and credibility among the business community for more than 40 years and we want to continue to support our members for another 40 years, which is why making sure we modernise and stay relevant to them and the wider business community is so important.
“Today’s businesses need our support and services more than ever.
“Smaller businesses face numerous challenges related to a range of upcoming policy changes including the new National Living Wage, pensions auto-enrolment deadlines, and changes to the way dividends are taxed.
“The more members we have, the more strength we have to stand up for these businesses and make sure their voice is heard by Government. By communicating in a more relevant way for the businesses of today, we can introduce more start-ups and smaller businesses to the support and advice they can access from the FSB allowing them to focus on managing and growing their businesses while we represent their interests to Government.”
Meanwhile, new figures from Fleximize, a lender for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) revealed that during the first half of 2015, banks rejected up to £151.55 million worth of credit applications from SMEs in Scotland.
Fleximize’s analysis showed that between April and June this year, the approval rates for smaller businesses in the UK applying for loans and overdrafts was 80 per cent and 78 per cent respectively, and the corresponding figures for medium-sized businesses was 90 per cent and 93 per cent.
Fleximize estimates that in total, up to £167.44 million from alternative lenders has been taken out by businesses in Scotland.
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