Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken has described the city's smaller businesses as the "lifeblood of our economy" as she admits they have faced challenging times in recent years.
The city has a great selection of independent businesses who offer Glaswegians a variety of unique products from vintage antiques to smaller family run cafés.
But recent events including Brexit, the pandemic and cost of living crisis, has sent some businesses in a downwards spiral as they struggle to make ends meet - forcing them to close.
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According to new research compiled by iwoca - one of Europe’s largest small business lenders - Glasgow has emerged as the best city to work for a small business in Britain.
Now, Cllr Aitken says the council is on hand and is ready to support small businesses.
She said: “Glasgow’s SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and this recognition that we’re the best city in Britain in which to work for a small business is a tremendous accolade to our employers and the city.
“We know that Glasgow is an affordable and vibrant city, able to attract and retain talent but also committed to ensuring our citizens have the right skills to take the opportunities emerging within our economy.
“And that economy remains one of the fastest growing within the UK, with new and emerging sectors enhancing our reputation as an innovative and dynamic city.
“Our own city policies I know will have contributed to these findings, not least our commitment to the payment of the real living wage and support for the sector.
“These are challenging times for small businesses, from the impact of Brexit, pandemic recovery, the cost-of-living crisis and adapting to the demands of the climate crisis. But the City Council and its many partners stand ready to support small businesses and the benefits they bring to our economy and their workers.”
Glasgow ranked highly for its short average commuting time and job density. Glaswegians typically spend 29 minutes travelling between work and home, compared to 40 minutes for those living in Greater London.
The Scottish powerhouse also boasts a healthy ratio of jobs to workers, with 1.03 jobs available for every individual of working age.
As a growing regional hub for tech and creative industries, with significant investment pouring into urban regeneration and infrastructure projects, Glasgow continues to be an attractive place to work and put down roots.
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