NOVEMBER TRADE NEWS Woolworths confirms administration Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case VAT cut drives Irish shoppers north of the border Woolworths close to administration Chancellor cuts VAT to 15% Retail sector 'being driven by discounts' Lingerie business to focus on wholesale operations Christmas delivers online shopping BRC warns government of pressure on retailers Wholesaler helps small retailers fight Asda Fraudster made £12,000 from eBay scam Scottish consumers 'tightening their belts' Luxury fashion brand enjoys rise in wholesale activity Weak pound benefits Northern Irish retailers Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn London sales superiority over UK 'dwindling' Cambridge retailers fight proposed Tesco opening Wholesale slump for designer clothing company Small retailers 'under threat Post Office to keep card accounts Wind forces trade fair inland Young consumers 'susceptible' to brands Christmas cheer in store for small retailers Local shops play vital community role Retailers told to expect flat sales this Xmas Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London Park Cameras bags Retailer of the Year award Retail sales plummet to three-year low Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Mary Queen of Shops to help Birmingham retailers Scottish Asda store criticised by local resident Low interest rate good news for small firms Markets must support each other, says CGTA Banks urged to pursue small business funding BRC to launch new online retail sales indicator Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Portsmouth hosts bash for local newsagents Argos under fire for 222% APR store card Emergency funding for ailing small firms Stolen goods warning for Worcestershire retailers Trade News Archive November 08 October 08 September 08 August 08 July 08 June 08 May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory  18th November 2008 Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn Nearly half of all small businesses that advertise their firm and products online increase turnover by at least one fifth, new figures have revealed. According to a report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 43 per cent enjoyed improved sales after linking to suppliers online and using a website to promote themselves. It was also revealed that approximately 70 per cent of small businesses now have their own website, a giant leap of about one quarter since 2006. Dr Gary Packham, head of enterprise at the University of Glamorgan, where the report was researched, said: "These figures show the very clear link between new technologies and business growth." John Walker, national policy chairman of the FSB, added that small businesses are becoming increasingly savvy. The FSB represents more than 215,000 members across the UK. It was first formed in 1974 as a pressure group promoting the interests of small and independent companies. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story