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  12th November 2008 Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is bringing its Keep Trade Local campaign to the capital next week, aiming to shore up support for small retailers amid the economic gloom. With a slew of recent reports predicting disappointing high street sales this Christmas, the FSB is taking the opportunity to drive home some key points in its manifesto. As its name suggests, the Keep Trade Local initiative aims to affirm the vital role that independent retailers play in strengthening community bonds, particularly during times of hardship. Confirming that the industry group will bring its message to six venues in London, FSB national chairman John Wright bemoaned the fact that more than 2,000 small shops close each year. "Small businesses are coming under a combination of pressures - not least because of these uncertain economic times," he commented. "We could lose our traditional shops that serve our everyday needs." Mr Wright added: "Our small shops offer a personal service because they have an understanding about the product they are selling that big chains just don't."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story