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 30th April 2008 Small retailers aim to Keep Trade Local Small retailers in North Wales have started a petition to help save a number of businesses in the region. The action plan, known as Keep Trade Local, aims to ensure that traditional local retailers retain their place in the community and are not lost in a sea of large firms and chain stores, the Daily Post reports. Mike Learmond, regional organiser for the Federation of Small Businesses North Wales, the organisation behind the petition, claimed that action had to be taken to save small firms. "A study has shown that, unless we do something, with the current rate of loss of local shops across the UK every year, by 2015 there will be no independent retailers left," he said. "I hope people will get behind this campaign - not just our members but the wider business community in North Wales as well," Mr Learmond added. Meanwhile, according to a study by the Centre for Retail Research, more than 28 per cent of retailers could have fewer stores on the high street during the next decade.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd