TRADE NEWS Clothing spending falls early Government agencies 'should be more proactive' CBI asks mayor candidates to support firms Growth is 'main problem for new retailers' No need to be wary online, say experts Minimum wage hike could affect retail employment Retailers should update websites regularly BRC expects victory in Visa investigation UK to spend £8bn over Easter Retail slows in Scotland Easter sales moving online Pet clothing retail growing Niche retailers should sell their benefits to landlords London retail sales up on 2006 Weak high street sees profits drop for French Connection Older consumers well informed about online security Government could bring in carrier bag legislation British take-up of fair-trade highlights importance of ethical retailing Dragons' Den entrepreneur to help launch academy Economic downturn could hit retailers hard Sales continue sluggish performance into February Shoppers opting for green retailers Independent retailers fear bad news budget User-generated content could be the key to online independent retailers Shopping centres urged to rethink consumer perceptions UK shoppers lead the way for online continental spending Consumers reveal interest in ethical trading BRC urge bank to make cuts to help retailers Asda pledge to remove disposable carrier bags CBI calls on Darling to cut tax on retailers New retailers agree Grand Arcade leases Defra unveil new packaging targets ISPs should be more accountable for online counterfeit goods sales Retailers reject government plastic bag claims Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Archive March trade news 2008 February trade news 2008 January trade news 2008   4th March 2008 CBI calls on Darling to cut tax on retailers The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called on chancellor Darling to help small business and independent retailers in the next Budget report. As part of an 'alternative Budget report' the CBI listed a range of suitable changes for the chancellor to implement as part of the actual report, set to be presented to parliament on March 12th. A key change, which would be of great benefit to independent retailers, would be to hold small firms' corporation tax at 20 per cent in favour of the current plans to increase it to 22 per cent. Richard Lambert, the director-general of the CBI, said: "Firms have had enough unexpected change to the corporation tax system. "Consumers meanwhile are already struggling with significant reductions in their disposable incomes, so further constraints would only make matters worse." The CBI also urged the government to keep its measures down to a minimum to ensure that industry was not unnecessarily stifled.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .