SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has welcomed figures showing that the number of businesses in South Lanarkshire is rising.

The Businesses in Scotland 2019 report shows that, as of March 2019, there were an estimated 356,550 private sector businesses operating in Scotland – the highest number since current records began in 2000.

In South Lanarkshire, in 2019, there was a total of 9,655 businesses representing a turnover of £13,316 Million. This is an increase of 155 businesses since last year.

Christina McKelvie, the representative for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse said:

“These are encouraging figures. Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse is very much open for business.

“I want to see Scotland recognised as one of the best places in the world to do business.  South Lanarkshire, with the creativity and ambition of its people, can be at the forefront of this push.

“However, we have to be cautious over these numbers. Brexit looms over us and it poses a very real threat to the prosperity of Scotland’s economy and commerce.  I will not sit idly by while Scotland’s potential is thwarted by something we voted against.

“It is vital that Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.  I want to see a prosperous independent country, with an international and cooperative outlook.

“Let’s reject the politics of isolation.  Let’s keep South Lanarkshire and Scotland open for business.” 

This has come from the statistics show that between March 2018 and March 2019, the estimated number of businesses increased by 2.8% (9,755 businesses).

That increase was driven by a 4.3% (7,270) rise in the number of unregistered businesses (those not registered for VAT and/or PAYE), which increased from 170,500 in March 2018 to 177,770 in March 2019.