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   31st March 2008   Government agencies 'should be more proactive' Government agencies that are designed to assist small businesses - such as Business Link - should be more focussed on finding enterprises that they can assist, according to a spokesperson from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Simon Briault states that although a number of government initiatives to help small businesses currently operate, agencies should provide more information on what grants or other assistance is available. Currently, Business Link lists a number of retail project on its website, these include projects in Plymouth, East Durham and Newark and Sherwood. However, a number of small commercial operations are not aware of the help that is available to them, the FSB spokesperson states. "Business Link is probably the most famous and popular, but with government schemes we find that very few small business owners actually know about them and use them," Mr Briault points out. A recent survey carried out by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform discovered that 65 per cent of firms expect to grow over the next two to three years. This percentage increases to 72 per cent of firms for those who are based out of London.   (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