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 22rd April 2008 Small retailers web presence vital Small retailers must have an online presence in order to raise their profile, experts have claimed. According to Startup Co, in order for independents to remain competitive against larger firms, it is vital that they have a website as a point of reference for potential consumers. John De Groot, managing director of Startup Co, revealed that firms which thrive on continued sales, such as small retailers, would massively benefit from being represented on the web. "The answer is subject to whether the business sees a website as either a way of creating sales, in which case [it is] very important," he said. "Increasing the profile or credibility of the business…is very important. It [the website] can illustrate achievements, clients, partners, awards, editorial [and] opinion." Meanwhile, according to the Review Centre, online businesses could improve their performance by matching the level of customer service found on the high-street.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd