Top Tory to talk tax at Scottish small business conference

Ruth Davidson is to set out the Scottish Conservatives’ plans for Holyrood’s new tax powers when she addresses the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) UK Conference in Glasgow next week.

Days after the UK budget, the Tory leader will also reveal her party’s plans to boost Scotland’s 359,000 small and medium sized firms.

Ahead of the event, FSB’s Scottish policy convenor has called on Scotland to develop smart systems to mitigate the administrative burden that new taxes could create.

Looking forward to the conference, Ruth Davidson said: “With new powers coming to Holyrood, we need to focus on building an enterprise culture in Scotland - with small businesses at the heart of it. I look forward to speaking to FSB members about how we hope to do that in the coming Holyrood election campaign.”

Over 800 small business owners are expected to attend the event, taking place at Glasgow’s SECC from 17 to 19 March. Scottish journalist Kirsty Wark is hosting the event.

Andy Willox, FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, said: “Ruth is one of the most recognisable figures in Scottish politics. She’s a phenomenal addition to our stellar event line-up and we’ll be keen to hear her views on how the new tax powers should be used.”

On Holyrood’s growing tax powers, Mr Willox added: “Scotland needs to develop tax systems which are modern and user-friendly. Firms shouldn’t have to be expert in devolution or local government to pay their bills.

“In the past, we’ve suggested that Revenue Scotland should collect business rates and council tax. We’d also argue that any new taxes – like the tax on derelict land mooted last week – should be administered by this authority. Scottish businesses should only have to deal with two tax agencies, HMRC and Revenue Scotland, and these bodies must share information.”

Sharon White, chief executive of telecoms regulator Ofcom, is also addressing the event.

Ms White’s appearance at the event follows Ofcom’s recent landmark review into the UK’s telecoms network. The publication highlights that poor rural connectivity is a particular problem in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Sandra Dexter, the FSB’s national vice-chair, said: “Entrepreneurs from across the UK will be keen to hear from two of the country’s most influential women. Both can expect a warm welcome but some tough questions from small business leaders.”