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   Trade News Archive   April 08   March 08   February 08   January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 29th April 2008 Return of cash ideal for small firms The re-emergence of cash over credit is helping small business save money on transaction charges, experts have claimed. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the credit crunch has forced more consumers to use cash for purchases. And with cash transactions costing firms around two pence, compared to the 34 pence charge for using credit cards, small business look likely to save money. Richard Dodd, a spokesman for the BRC, revealed his belief that the charges on using cards were too high and the use of cash could only be positive for retailers. "Banks and the other card issuers are charging retailers a lot more than it actually costs them in reality to process transactions," he said. "Whilst retailers are not able to charge different amounts for goods or services for customers depending on what payment they use the truth is it costs retailers less to have most transactions made with cash," Mr Dodd added. Meanwhile, BRC research has revealed that cash is now used for 60 per cent of transactions compared with 54 per cent last year.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd