To mark Small Business Saturday, Stirling MP Alyn Smith hosted a virtual roundtable meeting via Zoom. The meeting was organised by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and gave small business owners the opportunity to ask their MP any questions as well as voice any concerns.
Topics covered in the online Zoom meeting included government support during the Covid-19 pandemic; overall support to diversify businesses; and Brexit.
Smith commented on the meeting by saying:
“This was a really good opportunity to get a virtual face-to-face with local small business leaders in the constituency. This year’s Small Business Saturday was different, and it would have been irresponsible if I had flouted to rules and guidance by making non-essential trips to physically meet people, or to get a photograph taken. Nevertheless, I have hosted numerous Zoom meetings with businesspeople over the past year, and whilst it’s not the same, it’s often a very useful tool for being able to listen to what local businesses are saying.”
Smith also went on to praise Stirling and the appeal that it holds:
“Stirling is the place to do business. It is ideally situated right in the heart of Scotland, it has unique tourism appeal, and it has competitive property and rent prices compared to larger city regions. That’s why we have such a diverse economy in our local area.”
Also commenting on the impact that the global pandemic has had on small businesses and how the Zoom meeting will help the to work towards the economy being rebuilt:
“The past year has been extremely challenging for many businesses and workers. The rules that are in place are there to save lives – which is the most important thing we can do – however, it has also had a serious impact on our economy. We will now be looking to business leaders and workers to help rebuild our economy once we get out the other side of this crisis, and hearing what they’ve got to say, sharing ideas, is a hugely important and valuable exercise.”
In the image: Zoom screenshot from Alyn Smith FSB roundtable with Stirling businesses. From top left: Lee Robb (office of Alyn Smith MP); Hisashi Kuboyama (FSB); Cat Cripps (Cat Cripps Coach); Alison Bell (Bell HR Consulting); Ann-Maree Morrison (Labels4Kids); Jen Laird (The Grail); Julie Howden (Julie Howden Photography); Pete Thomson (KMsoft); Alyn Smith MP.
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