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   8th April 2008 Complex legal changes confusing independent retailers The phased introduction of a large amount of legislation is causing confusion among independent retailers and other small businesses, experts claim. According to the Federation of Small Business (FSB), the sheer volume of legislation brought onto the legal books is unsettling small retailers, especially as some pieces were not introduced on set aside government legislative days. FSB national chairman John Wright claimed that the changes could slow the expansion of independent companies. "At a time of growing economic doubt and rising youth unemployment, the government is stunting the growth of the same small businesses that are expected to deliver innovation, growth, and jobs," he said. "If each of those 90,000 small businesses created just one more job, we could fill Wembley Stadium with new employees. This should be the government's target," Mr Wright added. The first designated legislation day was April 6th, with 82 pieces of legislation being passing into law - up 12 per cent on the figure for 2007.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd