FSB appeals to city authorities to give rates help to Sauchiehall Street traders

Glasgow City Council should use its business rates powers to provide extra help to businesses affected by the recent Sauchiehall Street fire, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The small business campaign group has written to Glasgow City Council leader, Susan Aitken, making the case for an emergency rates relief scheme for firms in the vicinity. FSB also argues that temporary signage - highlighting where is open for business and how to get there - could boost footfall for traders in the areas facing disruption.

Reports suggest that access to this particular part of Sauchiehall Street will be restricted for some time, with traffic and pedestrian diversions in place for at least the next two months.

Martin Little, leader of FSB in Glasgow, said: “Sauchiehall Street is one of Glasgow’s main business thoroughfares, with hundreds of businesses located either on or near this world famous street. Therefore, like many other Glaswegians, I was shocked at the extent of the damage that the recent fire did to such an important part of our city.

“As the area gets back on its feet, we accept that some disruption is unavoidable – and that public safety should be of paramount importance.

“However, given the economic significance of this part of the city centre, I’ve written to the council leader to ask if Glasgow City Council could consider measures to mitigate the impact on local firms, and to ensure that the area is a great place to do business in the years to come.”

FSB asks whether the City Council’s vision for this part of town needs to be revisited - specifically in relation to the Glasgow City Deal - given that the fire took place in a strategically important part of the city centre.

Mr Little added: “We need to ask whether the projects in the works are now the right priorities, given the difficult circumstances. No matter what, the council and city decision-makers need to work in partnership with the local business community.”