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  10th November 2008 UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Small business owners across the UK are being invited to put their stores forward for the Retail Week Awards, which this year features 11 categories. Any retailer trading in Britain is eligible to nominate themselves for consideration, with the accolades including Best Product Innovation, Best Customer Service Initiative and Store Design of the Year. Also up for grabs is the coveted Emerging Retailer of the Year award, which is specifically intended to recognise the achievements of small retailers who are getting a foothold in the industry. Applicants to that award must have between two and five years trading history and cannot have a turnover in excess of £50 million. Retail Week magazine editor Tim Danaher commented: "The awards celebrate and reward the foremost aspects of the retail sector. The industry is currently making exceptional efforts to ensure margins are maintained whilst continuing to improve the customer experience, and it is paramount that retailers' endeavours are recognised and rewarded." This year's judging panel includes Comet chief executive Hugh Harvey; Jacqueline Gold, chief executive of Ann Summers; and Asda's Retail Group director, Andy Clarke. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story