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   10th March 2008   Independent retailers fear bad news budget Independent retailers and other small businesses are apprehensive about the potential effect of the Budget announcement this Wednesday (March 12th). According to research by the Bank of Scotland, only seven per cent of smaller companies believe that the Budget will bring good news. In addition, a massive 45 per cent believe that Wednesday could signal the beginning of harder times. Ivan Matviak, the head of business banking with the Bank of Scotland, revealed that tax was a particular worry for Britain's independent firms. He said: "Britain's entrepreneurs clearly have little faith in the government's ability to deliver a Budget that will support and promote enterprise. "Having been on the receiving end of last year's incremental tax increases, it's not surprising to see that small businesses feel particularly hard done by when it comes to the tax regime." Mr Matviak added: "If small businesses are to remain the lifeblood of a growing economy, then it's up to the government to deliver some good news and provide a boost to Britain's small business owners." The research also revealed that 68 per cent of small firms believed their tax obligations to be unfair.   (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