MAY TRADE NEWS Warehouse complex proposed for Peterborough Local authorities urged to help businesses improve recycling Business leaders lose faith in the Labour government Sole traders join forces on the Isle of Wight FPB calls for government to cancel fuel duty increase Consumers get better protection from rogue traders Health and beauty sector will grow despite economic slowdown Credit crunch hits wholesale and retail businesses' cash flows CBI reports manufacturers expect to increase prices Businesses attack new agency worker rules Credit crunch 'has not stopped owners selling their businesses' BRC stresses UK firms do not use exploitative suppliers OFT targets retailers who claim to be closing Carbon Trust urged to support small firms London business buck trend as sales increase Bank charges 'could harm small business Small businesses 'could be hurt by extended flexible working rules' BRC reports gloomy sales figures Businesses urged to embrace rail network Business pessimistic about economic future Fuel duty rises 'should be postponed to help businesses and consumers' Report calls for better government support of small businesses Businesses asked for bribes to win contracts Small businesses hit by staff absences Small businesses 'turn to older employees to plug skills gap' Businesses warned of continuing economic slowdown Tories pledge to support small suppliers and local businesses Continuity plans 'vital for small firms' Manufacturers force to pass rising costs on to customers Oxfordshire Retailers Flex Their Muscle FSB steps up campaign to protect local suppliers Small firms 'are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows' Government looks to help business by streamlining consumer laws Business disappointed by interest rate hold Shop prices 'only rising slowly' Postal competition 'has not helped small wholesalers' Small firms are turning to bridging loans to maintain cash flows South-west's roads 'need to be improved to help wholesalers' Retailers see April increase in shoppers Government urged to involve small firms in tax forum Good online retail practice satisfies customers Small retailers urged to embrace gift card schemes Commission inquiry not doing enough for small retailers Hornby buys model car maker Corgi Trade News Archive   April 08   March 08   February 08   January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 7th May 2008 Postal competition 'has not helped small wholesalers' A new report has suggested that increased competition in the postal sector has not helped small wholesalers. The independent review set up by the government to investigate competition in postal services concluded that it had benefited larger businesses, but been bad for small firms. Overall, the report concluded: "We have come to the conclusion, based on evidence submitted so far, that the status quo is not tenable." Commenting on the findings, the Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) said that wholesalers and small retailers operating in rural areas relied on the current services offered by the Post Office. The group's chief executive, Phil Orford, explained: "The report appears to substantiate fears that the postal services relied upon by many small businesses, particularly those in rural areas, have been critically eroded. "It is important that these services are restored as quickly as possible, and that suggested measures, such as locating post offices in alternative locations and introducing mobile units, are put into practice as a matter of urgency."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.