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   Growth is 'main problem for new retailers' New start-ups have increased in numbers but the major problem facing small firms such as retailers is whether they can expand, according to an industry pressure group. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) notes that many small businesses are able to start trading, but then find expansion difficult to achieve. Simon Briault, spokesman for the FSB, said: "[Expansion is] where they tend to run into more difficulties, due to the amount of employment law they have to deal with, and the regulation and red tape that comes with expanding a business and employing more staff." Mr Briault also noted that the credit crunch has not yet had a major impact on smaller retailers and start-ups, although it could eventually "trickle down" from the financial markets. A recent study by the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform found that 65 per cent of UK small businesses hope to expand in the next year, with 14 per cent stating that red tape were the main obstacle to their growth. (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