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   Trade News Archive   April 08   March 08   February 08   January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 29th April 2008 Mayoral candidates urged to engage small businesses The candidates involved in the Mayoral election should be doing more to engage small businesses, it has been claimed. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged the candidates to ensure that they service the needs of the capital's small retailers and other businesses to keep them in the region. Nick Winch, London policy manager with the FSB, claimed that little had been done for small firms during the reign of Ken Livingstone and that the situation needed to be improved. "One of the problems with the last four years is that the current Mayor hasn't been particularly responsive to small business needs," he said. "Ken Livingston's view of business in London has tended to be seen in terms of large businesses, but the reality is that the people who create the jobs in London are actually the smaller firms." Mr Winch added: "Small businesses want to know that their needs are going to be taken on board so that they can help deliver the new jobs that London needs."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd