BUSINESSES that form the “backbone” of Scotland’s economy are ill-equipped to handle the damaging effects of climate change, according to new research.

A comprehensive survey has found that smaller companies are twice as likely to be less prepared and supported for dealing with the consequences of climate change than larger ones are.

The poll of 300 businesses, commissioned by WWF Scotland, shows that only two in five of Scotland’s smaller firms feel prepared for the risks.

Those results are in stark contrast to larger businesses, of which more than three-quarters state that they are either fully or partly ready to deal with the risks.

In addition, a mere 15% of SMEs reported feeling that their business sector has clear direction from the Scottish Government on how it can best contribute to tackling climate change.

The poll also found that less than a quarter of SMEs are aware of the risks that climate change could pose to their business.

Larger businesses, on the other hand, are nearly four-times more likely to be aware of the dangers.

“These findings should ring a warning bell for our political and business leaders that many of the smaller companies that form the backbone of Scotland’s economy are ill prepared for the very real effects of climate change,” said Gina Hanrahan, head of policy at WWF Scotland.

“Climate change poses many chronic and severe risks to our economic stability and our social fabric.

“But the actions we need to tackle climate change, like building warmer homes, developing new modes of transport and modernising how we grow our food, will also present huge innovation and economic opportunities for forward-thinking businesses in Scotland.

“However, it is clear from this polling, that Scotland’s SMEs need more support and advice if they are to make the most of those opportunities and ensure their businesses have sustainable futures.”

One business that has already been affected by climate change is Roots, Fruits and Flowers, a Glasgow fruit and veg merchant that has been serving the public and the restaurant trade since 1979.

“My business relies on providing good quality, seasonal produce to my customers,” said owner Garth Gulland.

“This year proved to be challenging, with the very dry summer meaning many of our UK-grown fruit and vegetables were affected. The UK isn’t used to such hot, prolonged spells of weather and therefore growers aren’t as prepared to deal with it, resulting in many soft fruits and salad crops being ruined.

“The cost of some staples, like potatoes, doubled during the year.

He added: “Businesses like mine need more support to prepare for the consequences of our changing climate, and more support to reduce our own impacts on the environment would be very welcome too.”

Anna Christopherson, owner of Hemma, Victoria’s and Joseph Pearce bars and restaurants across Edinburgh, said the business had a strong “green” policy.

“We do this because we care about the environment, but also because it’s simply good business sense,” she said.

“We focus on many areas and one crucial one is reducing our food waste by educating not only our chefs but our customers. We also installed completely new lighting to be more energy efficient, saving a lot of money for the business.

“And we know that customers who are environmentally conscious pick our bars rather than other places because we take environmentally conscious business decisions. The more support there can be for other businesses to do this, the better.”