Argyll and the Islands Federation of Small Businesses puts down a marker

The Argyll and the Islands branch of the Federation of Small Businesses is, in the letter below from its Chair, Rory MacKail,  contributing strongly to the general evaluation of where, post-election, the efforts of Argyll and Bute Council should focus.

The specific call for coordinated strategy and collaboration as well as cooperation between council departments is a constructive point, highlighting a necessary development.

The letter, just received, says:

‘Our newly elected and re-elected councillors on Argyll and Bute Council should be applauded, not only for their success at the polls, but also for their stated resolve to face up to the challenges in the tough years ahead.  Like small businesses, the council may not have caused the economic crisis, but they will have to adapt to the new realities it left behind.

‘However, the administration can only improve local service delivery and get a fair deal for our communities if we have a strong, growing Argyll and Bute economy – the bedrock of which are our local small businesses. This is particularly relevant in a rural area where the proportion of employment in small firms is generally higher.

‘Quick fix measures, which might look to solve a short-term problem but hurt Argyll and Bute’s long term economic interests, must be avoided.

‘Instead, if the small business community is going to create the jobs and growth the area needs, all council departments need to work together to develop and support the local economy.

‘To this end the Federation of Small Businesses is more than willing to work closely with councillors and council departments to help ensure a vibrant small business community.’

Rory MacKail
Branch Chair, The Federation of Small Businesses’, Argyll and Islands Branch