NOVEMBER TRADE NEWS Woolworths confirms administration Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case VAT cut drives Irish shoppers north of the border Woolworths close to administration Chancellor cuts VAT to 15% Retail sector 'being driven by discounts' Lingerie business to focus on wholesale operations Christmas delivers online shopping BRC warns government of pressure on retailers Wholesaler helps small retailers fight Asda Fraudster made £12,000 from eBay scam Scottish consumers 'tightening their belts' Luxury fashion brand enjoys rise in wholesale activity Weak pound benefits Northern Irish retailers Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn London sales superiority over UK 'dwindling' Cambridge retailers fight proposed Tesco opening Wholesale slump for designer clothing company Small retailers 'under threat Post Office to keep card accounts Wind forces trade fair inland Young consumers 'susceptible' to brands Christmas cheer in store for small retailers Local shops play vital community role Retailers told to expect flat sales this Xmas Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London Park Cameras bags Retailer of the Year award Retail sales plummet to three-year low Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Mary Queen of Shops to help Birmingham retailers Scottish Asda store criticised by local resident Low interest rate good news for small firms Markets must support each other, says CGTA Banks urged to pursue small business funding BRC to launch new online retail sales indicator Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Portsmouth hosts bash for local newsagents Argos under fire for 222% APR store card Emergency funding for ailing small firms Stolen goods warning for Worcestershire retailers Trade News Archive November 08 October 08 September 08 August 08 July 08 June 08 May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory  26th November 2008 Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case The owner of a textile manufacturing and import clothing company in Preston has claimed innocence following allegations concerning counterfeited goods and money laundering. Earlier this year, police conducted raids on property owned by Arif Patel, his brothers Munaf and Faisal, and companies controlled by them, including their Faisaltex premises. Documents and equipment were seized in March, as well as 39 consignments of clothing all of which contained counterfeited goods. This month, a high court judge ruled to uphold the warrants issued to raid Preston's richest family. But Mr Patel has once more claimed that his family are innocent of the charges, adding that they will fight to clear their names. He told the Lancashire Evening Post: "We have not been charged and we are not on bail or anything. "It has caused a lot of concern and worry and over time I am sure our stance will be vindicated and justice will prevail." Earlier this month, retailers in Worcestershire were warned to stay on the lookout for knocked-off air fresheners, after £1,000 worth of products were stolen from a lorry in Beckford.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story