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   2nd April 2008 Independent retailers receive legal boost New regulations set to come into force next week will help independent retailers and other small firms concentrate on business by cutting bureaucracy. The Companies Act 2006 will come into force on April 6th and will slash some of the onerous red tape that small retailers and wholesalers must comply with in the course of their existence. New measures include the simplification of accounting and reporting requirements and the removal of the requirement for private firms to have a company secretary. Gareth Thomas, the department for business minister, revealed that changes would help modernise company requirements and could lead to more investment in UK firms. "The business world doesn't stand still and the law is changing to reflect this," he said. "The Companies Act 2006 provides a real step forward in the reform and modernisation of company law. It contains a number of de-regulatory measures and will make the UK an even more attractive place to invest and do business." The act is being phased over a three-year period, with the next set of changes set to come into force on October 1st. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.