Small businesses in Highlands urged to have say on delivery charges
Independent MSP Jean Urquhart has urged Highland and Islands businesses to speak up on discriminatory delivery charges.
Ms Urquhart asked firms across the North to back a survey launched earlier this week by Citizens Advice Scotland to uncover the extent of the problem.
Businesses can take part online at tinyurl.com/DeliveryCosts, or pick up a paper copy of the survey from Citizens Advice Bureaux in Aviemore or Grantown.
CAS say they are particularly interested to hear views from small businesses based in rural Scotland.
Research by CAS in 2012 showed that one million Scots are hit by additional delivery charges or late deliveries, or are refused delivery altogether.
Highlanders are charged an extra £15 per delivery on average.
Ms Urquhart said: "As a small business owner myself, I know how costly – and how infuriating – discriminatory delivery policies can be. I’ll definitely be taking part in this survey.
"Citizens Advice are doing a great job fighting for fairer costs, and the least we can do is give them the evidence they need for the next stage of their campaign.
"Meanwhile in the Scottish Parliament I will do everything I can to support the fight for fair treatment of businesses and customers in the Highlands and Islands."
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Margaret Lynch said: "High delivery charges can be absolutely devastating for small businesses – both when sending and receiving parcels.
"We estimate that there are well over 20,000 businesses that could be affected. We want to assess how bad this problem is, so we are launching a survey that is just for businesses.
"It’s their chance to have their say and contribute their evidence to our campaign."
