Vince Cable rolls into Glasgow

Government minister Vince Cable arrived in Glasgow last week ahead of a by-election for the City Council.

The UK business secretary joined local Liberal Democrat and Hillhead by-election candidate Ewan Hoyle on the campaign trail to highlight the vital role local businesses will play in Scotland’s economic future.

Cable visited florists, Native Flowers, in the west end of the city where he underlined the need for strong and successful local businesses to help the country’s economy flourish in the years ahead.

He said: “Small businesses are vital because these are where the jobs are created. The big multi-national companies are important but this is where the jobs are and they have got to succeed. That is why we have got to have policies that help them.

“It’s really about getting the British economy growing again and people more confident to spend without fear of losing their jobs, and once they do that they will come out and support shops.”

Mr Hoyle is one of seven candidates contesting the Hillhead by-election, which will take place this week following the death of Councillor George Roberts aged 68.

Ken Andrew (SNP), Charles Baillie (Britannica), Neil Craig (UKIP Scotland), Maya Forrest (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Stuart Leckie (Scottish Green Party) and Martin McElroy (Scottish Labour Party) are also in the running.

He said: “At a council level I am very keen for there to be people that small businesses can go to for support and advice, and for help to be given to them, especially when they are starting up, so they have the best possible chance of surviving in these difficult times.

“Small businesses really contribute to the character of places like Hillhead and I think it is really very important that we support the ones that exist and nurture the ones that want to start up.”

Mr Hoyle also spoke about his plans to help students, should he be elected, with a key focus being placed on raising the standards of privately rented student accommodation.

He said: “There are an awful lot of students living in private rented accommodation that isn’t very well maintained.

“It is important that students have someone they can go to and who can help them particularly in regards to security and heating issues.”