Small firms in Scotland have less confidence than in the rest of the UK, warns FSB
Small businesses - credit fotalia
Small businesses in Scotland have less confidence in the economy than elsewhere in the UK ahead of a "challenging 2017", the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland has warned.
A new report by the organisation reveals confidence among Scottish firms fell 10 points in the last quarter of 2016 alone to -28.9, continuing a long-term trend.
In the same period small business confidence across the UK as a whole rose to +8.5.
RELATED CONTENT
Scottish economy lagging behind the rest of the UK
Scottish business calls for calm and stability following the EU referendum result
Over half of those surveyed said their chief concern was the state of the Scottish economy.
The report said Scottish firms were more pessimistic because "the Scottish economy may be in for a challenging 2017. A general lack of certainty, both politically and with regards to the future economic environment, is also hampering firms".
A Scottish Government spokesperson said uncertainty surrounding Brexit was to blame.
Holyrood Newsletters
Holyrood provides comprehensive coverage of Scottish politics, offering award-winning reporting and analysis: Subscribe