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 10th April 2008 Training could boost performance of independent retailers Independent retailers and wholesalers could improve their businesses by investing in skills training, experts have claimed. According to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), smaller businesses need more help to gain access to training in order to compete on the same level as their larger counterparts. Jaine Clarke, director of skills for employers with the LSC, claimed that small companies which have taken part in LSC schemes have seen the difference. She said: "I think certainly the evidence of those that have come through the Train to Gain service is that once they've tested that out, or dipped a toe in the water, then they really are convinced of how skills can make a difference to their business, both an immediate difference and a longer-term difference." Research compiled by the LSC has revealed that 69 per cent of small firms felt that the skills gap was affecting their business. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd