Scottish Independence: 68% of Small Businesses Worried About Union Break

Some 68% of Scottish small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are worried about the impact of independence for the nation, according to a new report by accountancy firm Clear Books.

Furthermore, 45% of SMEs in England and Wales felt that they would feel a similar affect.

Over half of the Scottish businesses that responded to the survey said that they wanted their country to remain part of the UK, while 83% of English businesses said that they wanted the unity to remain between the two nations.

"After buying some office furniture from a business based in Scotland, we started considering the impact of Scottish independence on SMEs across Britain," said Tim Fouracre, CEO of Clear Books.

"Would it be so easy to buy from this small business in the future? Would the VAT be different? Would the currency be different? Would it just be easier to buy from a different office furniture supplier based in the UK?

"Our research shows that collectively smaller businesses throughout the UK have concerns over the impact of Scottish independence. Only 14% of small businesses think independence will be a positive move for Scottish businesses and just 12% think it will be positive for the rest of the UK."