Members' Business — S6M-13753 Audrey Nicoll: Celebrating the Federation of Small Businesses' 50th Anniversary

That the Parliament congratulates the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on celebrating its 50th anniversary on 15 September 2024; understands that micro and small businesses comprise almost all enterprises in Scotland, at 98% of the total, and employ 900,000 people with a turnover of £82 billion; further understands that, since its formation in 1974 in response to what it sees as unfair increases in national insurance for the self-employed by the UK Government, which was later repealed, the FSB has gone on to become the largest direct business membership organisation in the UK, and recognises what it considers the vital non-profit, non-party-political business services that it offers, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful advocating voice to government at all levels, as well as its aim to achieve changes for 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed.