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 14th April 2008 Small retailers could face legal changes Independent retailers could face legal upheaval if the government goes ahead with proposals to change the constitution of small companies. Modifications may be made to the legal make-up of a small firm in order for the government to curb the practice of income shifting, where couples who own a retail business split the dividends to minimise their tax obligations. However the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has rejected plans to change the constitution of a company, claiming that is unnecessary. Simon Briault, a spokesperson for the firm, said: "We don't have to change the legal definition of companies for this to be stopped…there's no actual need to redefine the legal status of small businesses. "What there is a need for, from out point of view, is for this legislation to be scrapped. That's pretty plain and simple," he added. The proposed changes have been on the forefront of the government agenda since it lost the Arctic Systems case, in which IT consultants Geoff and Diana Jones saw off a demand for more than £40,000 in back-taxes.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd