Anaemic growth figures are worrying

The latest GDP figures published by the Scottish Government have shown a fall in growth to just 0.1% for Q2. Furthermore, on an annual basis GDP grew by only 1.1% in Scotland compared with a 1.5% increase in the UK. In addition to this Scottish Insolvency Statistics show the total number of corporate insolvencies has grown by 46% compared to the same quarter last year.

Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesman, Gavin Brown MSP said:

"These anaemic growth figures are a worry for us all and it is the Scottish Government's responsibility to prioritise growth in their budget for the next few years. The current budget cuts spending in many key economic areas and is little more than a fudge.

"The SNP need to put the economy front and centre and introduce measures that will help Scotland grow. Policies such as cutting business rates, increasing entrepreneurial training and the set-up of a Business Start-up Fund are among several ideas the Scottish Conservatives would back to help achieve this.

"The depressing insolvency figures that show a startling rise in corporate insolvencies from last year are also deeply concerning. The Business Gateway currently focuses exclusively on start-ups but there have been calls from many people in the business community for them to help companies who are struggling to survive.

"The Business Gateway contract application is shortly due for renewal – business survival must be a fundamental element of its remit going forward."

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