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   12th March 2008   Dragons' Den entrepreneur to help launch academy Star of TV's Dragons' Den Peter Jones is to help the government set up its new National Enterprise Academy. The academy, which will open at the beginning of next year, will offer a new qualification in enterprise for over 16s while helping provide people with skills for the workplace or the know-how to start their own business. Revealing his hope that the scheme could help the growth of independent retailers and other small businesses, Peter Jones said: "If the UK economy is to continue to grow, we need to create the right learning environment for all our children, where their talents can be developed so they can go out into the workplace or business and prosper." Mr Jones added: "There is a stark difference in the entrepreneurial mindset between the UK and the US. Here, there tends to be a 'can I?' approach, whereas in the US the 'I can' belief is instilled from an early age." The first academy will open in the south east of England, with the second poised to open in the north west.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . . Return to The Wholesaler UK directory