THE Scottish Wholesale Association has welcomed a number of announcements in today’s Scottish Budget.

These include the decision to rule out an out-of-town levy for businesses at the moment although Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said it would be kept under review.

SWA chief executive (designate) Colin Smith welcomed the decision to scrap the proposed new business rates levy. He also welcomed the decision to cap the increase on business rates at the below inflation rate of 2.1%.

“This will come as welcome relief to SWA members’ customers,” he said. “We also welcome the announcement that the Scottish Government will maintain the Small Business Bonus Scheme.”

The Finance Secretary also announced a new £50 million capital fund to support town centres to diversify and develop. “This will boost small businesses across the country,” said Smith.