TRADE NEWS FEBRUARY 2010 Retailers experience sales growth in February Online retailers to benefit from universal broadband Retailers face disproportionate utility costs Counterfeit goods seized in Norfolk BPF calls for public debate on CVAs NFRN quits JIG Tories reveal new supermarket planning laws NI independent fashion retailers folding Clothing retailers buck sales trend Isle of Man Tesco could 'impact' independent retailers Asda expansion threatens independents Scarborough's independent shops suffer rise in closure rate Small retailers 'not understanding shoppers' needs' Oxfordshire retailers come together to encourage local trade Scottish retailers left exposed to business rates UK retailers facing closure epidemic Computer chip counterfeiter prosecuted Village Shop of the Year named Family furniture retailer sees sales soar Counterfeit goods recycled Retailers receive grants to bolster security Inflation slow as retailers ignore VAT rise Uncertainty over economic policy Britons are biggest online shoppers   European visitors to The Wholesaler please click here   What’s New At The Wholesaler UK New Categories added recently Wholesale Fabric Tents and Camping Equipment Nautical and Marine Gifts Wholesale Golf Products Fireside Nostalgia, Nostalgic gifts, retro and vintage Wholesale Haberdashery Trade News Archive 2009  January   February   March   April   May   June   July   August   September   October   November   December Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 10th February 2010 Computer chip counterfeiter prosecuted A Worcester man caught selling electronic chips that allowed computers to run fake games has been prosecuted. Christopher Gilham was found guilty of selling a variety of illegal computer paraphernalia, including the chips, from his home address. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted on 15 counts under the Copyright Designs and Patents Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act. Worcester Crown Court has handed Mr Gilham a 12-month sentence suspended for two years, with 300 hours of community service. Simon Wilkes, Worcestershire trading standards operation manager, said that the case could pave the way for a number of similar convictions. He said: "This has been a very important case, not only for Worcestershire County Council, but also for other local authorities in the UK who have been awaiting its result. It now opens the way for many more similar cases to go ahead. "This result will go some way to reducing the demand for such illegal products." © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January