TRADE NEWS Return of cash ideal for small firms Mayoral candidates urged to engage small businesses High street stores could decline in the face of online retailers Sainsbury's to increase non-food retail Wholesalers could be hit by rising manufacturing costs Technology easing wholesale operations Government urged to tackle corporation tax Carrier bag charges receive consumer backing Credit crunch not dampening online retail spirits Domain name important for small firms Retailers urged to act on climate change Councils urged to help small businesses Borough Market wins prestigious accolade Small retailers web presence vital London retailers thriving despite crunch Thornaby shopping centre to provide space for small retailers Sir Phillip advises retailers to be inventive Retailers property prospects not harmed by crunch Chamber launches new eco-shopping bag Retailers confident despite crunch Small retailers could face legal changes Online fashion retailers drive women to the internet Interest rate cut provides wholesaler boost Online sales set to break £100b mark Independent retailers spring up in the north-east Small retailers face taxation worries Training could boost performance of independent retailers Independent retailers increase online advertising spend Dragon's Den contestant boosts business Google advises independent e-retailers Complex legal changes confusing independent retailers Online retailers urged to address consumer concerns Web sales increase over the Easter period M&S provide green example for independent retailers Retailers back BBFC control of video games Shoppers reject plastic bag tax New regulations unlikely to threaten retailers right to offer 'buy one get one free' Mothercare sales boost retail hopes New campaign to help under-prepared retailers Independent retailers receive legal boost bssa Sales Monitor survey launched Brighton Gift Fair is back Wholesalers and retailers slam property tax changes   2nd April 2008 Brighton Gift Fair is back The Brighton Gift Fair is making a welcome return to the trade show calendar next year after a 5 year absence. Running from the 15th to the 17th March 2009 this trade fair should be timed perfectly to fit in with the UK buying calendar for retailers – within the first three months of the year, and prior to Easter (next year Easter is well into April). For many retailers Brighton Gift Fair will be the ideal time to place summer orders and will probably offer the very last opportunity for buyers to find that winning line before the busy tourist season. For exhibitors this is also another chance to reach their customers in an atmosphere that is conducive to buying instead of the the cattle market that the Spring Fair and Autumn fairs at the NEC, Birmingham have become. The team behind the new trade show have over 20 years’ experience of creating this sort of ideal trade show environment, including events such as the Harrogate Gift Fair and Exclusively Housewares. Updated 13th May 2008 For 2009 the organisers of Brighton Gift Fair are introducing a parking voucher system for pre-registered visitors providing up to 5 hours free parking in adjacent car parks. This will help overcome trade visitors worries about wasting valuable time searching for a parking space.   David Heasman  (c) 2008 The Wholesaler UK