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SNP urged to act after businesses hit by licensing change

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27 Feb 2017

Jamie Greene

The Scottish Conservatives are demanding the SNP to start providing the necessary support to the businesses across Scotland who have been negatively affected by the Air Weapons and Licensing Act (AWLA).

The act was implemented last year despite the Scottish Conservatives voting against it.

It has recently emerged that as a result of the SNP’s legislation many businesses face an uncertain future, particularly in the private car hire industry, many of whom have voiced concern.

Wedding car operators are just one of the industries sucker-punched by the AWLA provisions.

Many of them are being forced to pay the large cash sums in order to pay for the licenses that are needed to meet the additional costs.

The unfair regulations saw West of Scotland MSP Jamie Greene echo the worries of the affected businesses to Nicola Sturgeon during last week’s First Minister’s Questions.

Mr Greene asked the First Minister: “What action is being done to mitigate the impact that their Weapons and Licensing Act is having on industries?”

Ms Sturgeon replied: “With any piece of legislation it’s vital that we strike the right balance between the legislation doing what it is intended to do without putting unnecessary burdens on business or anyone else.”

Mr Greene’s question was not the first time he had brought the issue to the SNP’s attention, and he is now demanding that the SNP provides the support needed for the businesses hit.

Scottish Conservative West MSP Jamie Greene said:

“The SNP simply has to start providing solutions and answers for these many businesses affected.

“Despite numerous attempts to reach out to the SNP I have yet to receive any real clarity on the matter.

“During First Minister’s Questions I brought to light the story of one of my constituents, Mr Brian Jay of Saltcoats.

“Mr Jay owns and runs ‘Jay’s Luxury Wedding Cars’ and as a result of this act risks having to shut the private hire part of his business.

“The SNP needs to find a way to address the issues business face as a result of the Air Weapons and Licensing Act, and provide some clarity for the likes of Mr Jay and many other businesses across Scotland.

“The uncertainty is already damaging confidence in the industry.

“It’s vital that the SNP outline what assessments they will be undertaking on individual operators and set out a clear time frame for doing so.”

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Scottish Conservatives • •

Press release: UK food takes centre stage at world’s largest annual trade show

Award-winning Welsh marmalade, mozzarella from Durham, and shortbread from Glasgow are among nearly 100 UK food and drink specialities showcasing the best of British today at the world’s largest annual food trade show in Dubai.

Gulfood brings together more than 100,000 buyers, investors and producers from around the world – and thanks to ongoing government investment and support it will give budding exporters and established global-hitters across the country the chance to promote their produce and boost exports to the region.

The Gulf is the UK’s third largest export market – worth more than £1.5 billion – and is already home to more than 5,000 UK companies and 4,000 British brands.

Food Minister George Eustice is attending Gulfood 2017 to champion the UK’s world-class offer and strengthen the UK’s trade relationship with this rapidly growing market. He said:

The UK already exports more than £550 million worth of food and drink to the Gulf and UAE, and it is clear buyers and producers from around the world are eager to see what we have to offer.

Over the next five years we have an ambitious plan to further our export success, and thanks to our range of exciting foods and delectable drinks on display today, we’re strengthening our global reputation for tasty, good quality produce.

Food and drink exports recently hit the £20 billion mark for the first time, and the Government is committed to building on this success as part of the International Action Plan for Food and Drink – which sets out how we will drive global exports by £2.9billion over the next five years.

Prima Cheese is part of this success story and already exports to the Middle East and South America. The Seaham based company has represented the UK at Gulfood for the past four years and recently expanded their workforce by 15 people to meet growing export demand.

Thanks to government support – which includes funding, expert training and exclusive networking opportunities – they will be part of the UK delegation joining 5,000 exhibitors at the annual five-day trade show, which kicked off yesterday (Sunday 26 February).

Operations Director Nima Beni said:

We’ve been coming to the Gulfood exhibition for the last four years and have found them to be our gateway to the world in terms to new business.

They will be joined by luxury British tea brand, Newby Teas London, who are taking the next step in their global mission. They will be exhibiting at Gulfood for the first time to showcase their renowned range of loose teas to a global audience.

The London based company already exports tea to Dubai but are keen to strengthen their presence in the Gulf and increase exports to this growing market.

Britain is home to one of the most diverse and innovative food cultures in the world. We export British classics such as whisky and gin, salmon and seafood, specialist teas and cheeses to over 200 countries and territories.

Through the Government’s Food is GREAT campaign, Defra is committed to driving exports of UK food and drink, opening new international markets and supporting UK companies in their work to go global.

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HM Government • • •