MSP Launches East Lothian Business Survey

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th Apr 2009

Jim Hume MSP

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has launched a small business survey across East Lothian including Dunbar, Haddington, North Berwick and Tranent.

The survey also includes details of the Liberal Democrats' four point plan to tackle the credit crunch.

Jim Hume said: "Small businesses are often at the heart of our communities and it's vital that they are given the support necessary to keep them going.

"But these businesses are facing real difficulties. Unlike larger organisations that might be able to absorb additional or unexpected costs, small businesses simply don't have the capacity to operate in that way so getting through a recession is in some respects even harder for the smaller retailer.

"That's why I've commissioned this survey which looks at the issues they face as a result of the recession.

"Businesses so far have been telling me that the banks' unwillingness to lend money is causing unbearable pressure and small business owners are frankly struggling to comprehend why an enormous government bail out using tax payers' money has not resulted in a flow of cash going to where it's most needed."

East Lothian Councillor Jacquie Bell noted: "Local businesses have welcomed the survey. They have been telling me how they have been affected in a variety of ways. Some businesses have already closed whilst others have been mothballed until the worst of the recession seems to be over."