This research study aims to develop a clear understanding of the specific issues that small businesses in Scotland face when they buy or use goods and services, and the impact those issues have on businesses. The evidence gathered will help Consumer Scotland work with governments and regulators to help ensure that markets work better for small businesses. The research is being conducted on Consumer Scotland’s behalf by IFF.
Consumer Scotland is the statutory and independent body for consumers in Scotland. It was established by the Consumer Scotland Act 2020 and accountable to the Scottish parliament. The definition of consumers in the Act includes both individuals and businesses with less than fifty employees.
1. Why should I take part in the study?
The more voices and perspectives we hear, the better this research study will be. We know that each business’s experience is unique and we would like to capture as many experiences as we can. What we find out will be used to inform policy and make a difference to businesses in Scotland.
2. Do I have to take part in the study?
Taking part is voluntary and you do not have to answer any questions you don’t want to. It’s up to you to take part in this research study, but we hope you will as your views will help to make this study even better. See “Why should I take part in the study?”
3. How have IFF Research got my contact details?
Your details were provided by Market Location. They are a leading supplier of GDPR compliant B2B data in the UK.
4. What will you ask me about?
The survey will comprise of a range of questions asking about your business’ experience as a consumer. You will be asked questions in the following areas:
- Basic business information
- The markets you have bought products or services from
- Problems you may have experienced in those markets
- Whether you have used a broker, and your experience with them
- How you think your experience as a private consumer differs to that of being a business
5. How long will the survey take to complete?
The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete.
6. How will my responses be stored?
All data will be held securely within IFF Research’s secure drives and will be retained for 3 months after the end of the research study, i.e. by July 2025, and then will be securely destroyed.
More about data protection can be found here: Privacy policy | IFF Research
7. Who will see my survey responses?
The project team working on this research will see your individual survey responses and these will be used for research and analysis purposes only.
8. How will my responses be used?
No information that will identify you as an individual will be shared in the public domain, or with Consumer Scotland, the Scottish Parliament or with anyone outside the project team.
9. Who are IFF Research?
IFF Research is an independent market research agency based in the UK, that operates under the strict guidelines of the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, the 2018 Data Protection Act and UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). For more information about IFF Research, please visit the website.