70 per cent of Scottish small businesses would vote to remain in EU

The figure, which was arrived at when those who were undecided about how they would vote were taken out, was the highest proportion of businesses who would vote to stay in the EU amongst the UK nations.

The figure is also significantly higher than the UK-wide figure who would vote yes, which stands at 47 per cent, while 41 per cent would vote to leave.

The FSB surveyed 6,263 of its members, including 571 in Scotland.

Across the UK, almost 11 per cent said they did not know while the remainder did not plan to vote, were not eligible to vote or preferred not to say.

In Scotland, almost 60 per cent would vote to stay, with only 25.7 per cent opting to leave, compared with around 45 per cent in England voting to stay and around 43 per cent voting to leave.

Among members who would currently vote for the UK to remain a member of the EU, more than a third would like to see powers transferred back to the UK while about a quarter would like the EU to remain in its current form.

The study also revealed that 37 per cent of FSB members across the UK do not feel well informed about the business impact of the vote.

Mike Cherry, the FSB’s policy director, said: “This research is a vital starting point in outlining the key issues and areas of concern for small businesses in the EU referendum debate.

Reacting to the findings, Stephen Gethins MP, the SNP’s spokesperson on Europe, said: “Scotland and our business community benefit enormously from our membership of the European Union and this survey shows how many of them value that membership.

“Over the coming months I look forward to working with our small business community and others to campaign on keeping Scotland in the European Union and highlighting the benefits that we all get from our membership.

“Given the lack of information about the UK’s position over the referendum and the re-negotiation it is not surprising that many businesses do not feel well informed.

“It is crucial that we work together to put across a positive vision for staying in Europe with all of the benefits that brings to our businesses and stop Scotland being taken out against its will.”

Andy Willox, Scottish policy convenor for the FSB, added: “During this debate, the FSB’s role will be to ensure the small business voice is heard.

“Our approach will reflect the one we took during the independence referendum: ensuring that our members have the information they need to make the decision which is right for them and their business.”