SMEs aren’t worried by the prospect of Scottish independence
Commenting on the latest research, Steve Gilroy, CEO of Vistage, said: “Our research shows that Britain’s mittelstand business owners are confident about their performance and a sustained recovery, and any impact from Scotland voting for independence is not a threat for most businesses.
The research is based on responses from 416 CEOs, MDs and owners of largely medium-sized and larger-small businesses, conducted in April 2014 by Vistage.
Vistage’s research found that about 66% of SME business owners are not concerned about any potential impact on their businesses of the Scottish independent vote. Only 26% of respondents thought that the vote may have negative implications for their companies.
Steve added: “While many financial and large international businesses may not like the prospect of Scottish independence, it will have little impact on most small and medium-sized businesses in the rest of the UK.
“Whatever the result of the poll in Scotland on 18 September, our research shows that most owners of SME businesses in the rest of the UK will not be losing sleep over the result damaging their firm.
“Partly this is because Scotland is a relatively small market for most SMEs in the rest of the UK, and also because independence will not suddenly close the Scottish market. Whatever the result business will continue, although we can expect a hiatus amongst Scottish businesses should there be a vote for independence while they digest the implications.”