SGF Responds to Finance Committee Report on Minimum Pricing

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Published on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 10:42

Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Finance Committee’s report on the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, said: 

“The report acknowledges many of the concerns raised by SGF including the impact the legislation will have on low income consumers, sales, jobs and the proliferation in cross border and internet sales which could result from the policy. 

“However, on the issue of a potential increase in the licensing fee, we believe that any such increase would be an intolerable imposition and any additional costs should be met by the Scottish Government and not retailers.

“We welcome the Finance Committee’s recommendations that there should be an on-going evaluation of the impact of the legislation once enacted. 

“SGF will be closely monitoring whether these highly exacting projections do indeed turn out to be fact or fiction.” 

SGF Responds to Trade Union Attack on the Small Business Bonus Scheme

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Published on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 14:03

Commenting on the publication of the STUC report The economic and employment benefits of the Small Business Bonus Scheme which attacks the small business bonus scheme and those who support it SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, said: 

“Apart from omitting one of the thresholds for support from their report, it would seem that the STUC have spent too much time studying press releases and not enough time actually talking to those people who run a business. 

“SGF represents hundreds of retailers who run a small business many of which provide a lifeline to local communities but face a relentless increase in costs against a tough trading environment. 

“Small Retailers more than pay their share to the public purse through business rates, licensing fees, national insurance contributions, VAT and duty, whilst continuing to offer employment in what is a very difficult financial environment. 

“Our research shows that the small business bonus scheme provides important relief for 51 percent of our members.  Given the staggering increase of 5.6% in business rates expected this April, it is a policy more vital than ever.”

Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service

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Published on Thursday, 19 January 2012 14:52

A Scottish Government programme to help businesses and the public sector save money, cut waste and reduce carbon has taken a step forward.

The new Scottish Energy and Resource Efficiency Service (SERES) web portal (Click Here), which streamlines existing support and advice programmes, is now available.

This virtual service will provide more consistent and comprehensive advice through a single enquiry point and improve cross-referral between agencies.

The Scottish Government also intend to establish a new integrated Business Resource and Energy Efficiency Service from 2013.

This new service will integrate the support currently provided by Carbon Trust, Energy Saving Trust and Zero Waste Scotland to Scottish businesses and public sector organisations.

Unemployment figures: a "wake-up call"

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Published on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 12:50

Commenting on the latest Scottish unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics which shows that unemployment in Scotland now stands at 231,000 with an increase of 0.7% over the last quarter SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, said: 

“Some are calling the latest unemployment figures a ‘disaster’; I call them a wake-up call. 

“Another increase in the Scottish unemployment rate is a reminder of how vitally important employers like retailers are to the economic health and wellbeing of Scotland.

“Retail remains the largest private sector employer in Scotland with SGF members employing nearly 30,000 people alone. 

“However, like households, retailers are not immune to the dual pressures of rising overhead costs and squeezed incomes. 

“There is much the Scottish Government could be doing to support our businesses to remain successful employers. 

“Extending the scope of the small business bonus scheme and listening to our concerns about the constant raft of legislation and regulation which is strangling the life out of our businesses would be a good place to start.”

Scotttish Government Moves on Tobacco Display Ban

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Published on Monday, 16 January 2012 13:03

Commenting on the announcement at the weekend from the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP, that the permissible size of tobacco display during a transaction will be 1000 sq cm SGF Chief Executive, John Drummond, said: 

“SGF has been consistent and robust from the start in our opposition to the tobacco display ban. 

“The legislation is a disproportionate burden on hard pressed retailers to deliver a policy based on flimsy evidence which singularly fails to prove that this measure will make an appreciable difference. 

“However, the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act is law so SGF has been pressing Government to ensure that its implementation is as sensible and pragmatic as possible. 

“That is why we welcome the Scottish Government’s move away from a display during transaction of only 120 sq cm to one of 1000 sq cm. 

“Whilst this is still nowhere near parity with the rest of the UK it is an acknowledgement from the Scottish Government that their original proposals were wide of the mark and that they have listened to our concerns.”