SNP DELIVERING FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN GLASGOW NORTH EAST

SNP DELIVERING FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN GLASGOW NORTH EAST

'WE'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO SEE SCOTTISH BUSINESS THRIVE'

SNP MSP and Finance Secretary John Swinney today (Thursday) joined the SNP
candidate in the Glasgow North East by-election, David Kerr, to meet with
small business owners and discuss how the Scottish Government is helping
local business prosper through the current recession.

The SNP Scottish Goverment introduced its small business bonus scheme on 1
April 2008. Since then, over 2000 small businesses in Glasgow have
benefited from the scheme. The Federation of Small Business estimates that
1 in 8 businesses in Scotland have been saved from closure by the scheme.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

"Even before the downturn the SNP in Government was helping high streets
up and down Scotland through the small business bonus scheme.

"This year we have abolished rates completely for Scotland's smallest
firms - like those shops on Springburn Way, Duke Street and Alexandra
Parade that keep communities going.

"Small businesses are at the heart of Glasgow's economy and the SNP
Scottish Government is determined to make sure they are at a competitive
advantage.

“Earlier this week, a survey of small business across showed that those in
Scotland were faring better than those elsewhere in the UK – a direct
result of the SNP’s small business bonus.

"The UK Government is endangering the Scottish recovery with swingeing
cuts to the Scottish Government's budget and continued uncertainty over
the acceleration of capital spend.

"Electing David Kerr as SNP MP for Glasgow North East will send a clear
message to Westminster - capital expenditure must be accelerated to
protect Scotland's businesses."

SNP candidate David Kerr added:

"The SNP is delivering for businesses across Scotland - and in Glasgow
especially.

"While Labour have neglected Glasgow for 74 years, the SNP are committed
to seeing our city thrive and we're delivering the policies to make it
happen.

"First Minister Alex Salmond announced over £6.8m of Scottish Government
funding to support 1505 new jobs across the city last Saturday. In these
tough times, those jobs will make a real difference in Glasgow.

"The SNP's priorities are the same priorities as the people of Glasgow's.

"Together, we've got what it takes to make our great city even better."