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   1st April 2008 Wholesalers and retailers slam property tax changes Major UK retailers, warehouse and office owners have condemned the introduction of new property tax rules, an industry organisation has revealed. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has slammed the changes to tax on empty properties, believing it will damage communities and businesses. Until now, empty shops and offices paid no tax for the first three months of their vacancy, and only 50 per cent after this. Rule changes that came into force on April 1st mean that full tax rates will be applied to vacant properties after the three months, giving the government a £3 billion windfall over the next three years. Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said: "In the current economic climate [the] government should be alleviating the tax burden on businesses, not making them less competitive." The BRC, along with the British Property Federation, the British Centre Association and CoreNet Global, has sent a letter to local government minister John Healey, outlining the concerns of the retail, wholesale and office sectors. When drafting the changes, the government believed it would boost regeneration by encouraging owners to fill properties. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.